Annual Conference 2026
Annual Conference 2026
13─16 April 2026
#Microbio26
Overview
Programme
Sessions & Schedule Overview
Abstracts
Registration
Grants, Prizes and CPD
Destination, Accommodation, Travel, Creche & Accessibility
Social Programme
Exhibition & Sponsorship
Overview
The Microbiology Society Annual Conference 2026 will take place
Monday
13 April
– Thursday 16 April
at the
ICC Belfast
The Conference takes place over four days and consists of scientific symposia, workshops, fora, professional development sessions, Prize Lectures, Hot Topics and much more.
Further information will be announced in the build-up to the meeting on our social media channels, and you can follow us on Twitter
@MicrobioSoc
and on Bluesky
@microbiologysociety.org
using the hashtag
#Microbio26
Commercial publisher attendance at Annual Conference
The Microbiology Society is a charitable membership organisation and our Annual Conference is run for the benefit of our members and the wider microbiology community. This event is supported by revenue generated from our journals. We therefore request that any delegates working for commercial publishers or competing Society publishers do not engage in any promotional or commissioning work for their own journals while at the meeting. If delegates do engage in any promotional activities, they may be asked to leave the event.
Exhibitor badge scanning: delegate guidance
This year, we’ve introduced a simple, delegate-friendly way for exhibitors to capture your details if you choose to share them. Industry plays an important role at Annual Conference, and the purpose of our exhibitors capturing your data enables them to follow up on the conversations you have during the event.
We want you to feel fully informed and in control of your personal information throughout Annual Conference.
Exhibitors are responsible for managing any data they collect in line with their GDPR policy.
Your consent is essential. Exhibitors may only ask to scan your QR code within their exhibition stand.
Exhibitors hosting an industry-sponsored symposium may also request permission from delegates entering their session.
Exhibitors are strongly discouraged from requesting scans outside these designated areas.
Exhibitors will be able to request permission to scan your delegate QR code using the conference app.
You’ll find a quick access opt-in button within the conference app, allowing you to give consent if you’re comfortable doing so.
Please feel confident saying yes or no at any time.
Programme
Session View
Lecture View
Session View
Monday 13 April, Morning
Badge Collection Opens
Riverside Foyer
12:00 - 13:00
First time at Conference
Ffion Lane (Microbiology Society, UK), Hall 2A
12:45 - 13:00
Refreshments & Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
13:00 - 15:00
Celebrating and promoting actions advancing equality, diversity and inclusion
Join us for an inspiring forum led by the Members Panel of the Microbiology Society. This session is dedicated to showcasing specific actions and initiatives that are building a more inclusive research environment. We invite members to share their impactful activities and successful strategies, providing a platform to exchange practical ideas and solutions. This is an opportunity to learn from each other’s triumphs and challenges, raising awareness of the needs of underrepresented and historically marginalised groups.
Hall 2A
Organisers
Arindam Mitra, Bruno Silvester Lopes, Catherine Lawler, Guerrino Macori
Introduction
Bruno Silvester Lopes (Teeside Univeristy, UK)
13:00 - 13:05
Chair(s): Arindam Mitra (RV University, India)
ND in Micro - A network for Neurodivergent Microbiologists
Becky Thomas (University of Surrey, UK) and Kathryn Burdon (University of Southampton, UK)
13:05 - 13:20
Discussion: celebrating and promoting actions advancing equality, diversity and inclusion
Arindam Mitra (RV University, India), Bruno Silvester Lopes (Teeside Univeristy, UK), Catherine Lawler (University of Birmingham Dubai, UAE), Guerrino Macori (University College Dublin, Ireland)
13:20 - 13:45
The Medical Research Foundation: Upcoming funding call information session
Join us for an exclusive information session introducing our new funding calls, including our early- and mid-career fellowships in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), designed to support innovative, high impact medical research. Led by our Research Management team, this session will provide attendees with the call’s scope, eligibility criteria, key deadlines, and advice on what makes a strong application.
Hall 2B
Organisers
The Medical Research Foundation
The Medical Research Foundation: Upcoming funding call information session
Rebecca Milton (The Medical Research Foundation, UK)
13:00 - 13:45
Monday 13 April, Afternoon
President's Address
Professor Gordon Dougan (Microbiology Society President), Auditorium
14:00 - 14:05
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Prize Lecture: From visibility to belonging: Pride in Microbiology’s blueprint for inclusive science
Landon Getz, Edel Perez-Lopez, Bruno Francesco Rodrigues de Oliveira, Nicholas de Mojana di Cologna, and Katie Barnes (Pride in Microbiology), Auditorium
14:05 - 14:45
Actinomycetes: Industrial uses; cryptic pathways and novel antibiotic discovery
Actinomycetes are an incredibly interesting and diverse group of soil dwelling bacteria that have been the source of an amazing 25% of all bioactive microbial metabolites and so have made a significant contribution to medical care. Advances in 'omics' technologies and novel culture techniques has renewed interest in this remarkable group of bacteria. In this session we welcome abstracts from those working within the actinomycete field. We especially encourage industry participation. This session will run on the afternoon before a morning Mycobacteria session to allow cross-pollination between the two sessions.
Meeting Room 3
Organisers
Dany Beste, Apoorva Bhatt, Damien Brady, Rebecca McHugh; Josephine Giard (EC Co-Chair)
Induction of Fungal Secondary Metabolite Production by Mycobacterium smegmatis and Elucidation of Its Mechanistic Basis
Arai Masayoshi (University of Osaka, Japan)
15:00 - 15:30
Activating Cryptic Biosynthetic Gene Clusters in Streptomyces species
Katie Noble (John Innes Centre, UK)
15:30 - 15:45
Lost in Translation; reassessing bldA control of antibiotic biosynthesis in Streptomyces
John Munnoch (University of Strathclyde, UK)
15:45 - 16:00
Optimising the production of the anti-virulence compound aurodox from Streptomyces spp.
Ainsley Beaton (University of Glasgow, UK)
16:00 - 16:15
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
16:15 - 17:15
Identification and characterisation of the cryptic LL-A0341 pathway in Streptomyces formicae
Rebecca Devine (John Innes Centre, UK)
17:15 - 17:45
Adaptive radiation during long-term experimental evolution of the multicellular bacterium, Streptomyces
Silja Vahtokari (University of Strathclyde, UK)
17:45 - 18:00
Investigating hot spring actinomycetes from The Roman Baths, Bath, UK
Josephine Prole (University of Plymouth, UK)
18:00 - 18:15
Education and Outreach Symposium (Part 1)
This session highlights innovative work in education and outreach across professional, academic, and community settings. Speakers will share practical strategies and collaborative approaches for engaging diverse audiences—including learners, clinicians, technicians, and industry partners. The session aims to inspire new ideas, strengthen connections, and support effective, inclusive engagement practices.
Meeting Room 1
Organisers
Gemma Wattret, Alison Graham, Sean Goodman, Monika Gostic, Laura Cleary-Keogh and Brooklyn Rowlands (EC co-chair)
Chair(s): Sean Goodman / Brooklyn Rowlands
Introduction to the Education and Outreach Network and the Symposium
Gemma Wattret (University of Liverpool, UK)
15:00 - 15:15
Enabling Successful Outcomes and Eradicating Structural and Institutional Barriers for Bioscience Students
Emmanuel Adukwu (University of the West of England, UK)
15:15 - 15:45
Teaching Under the Lens: Insights into Science Lecturers’ Experiences of Teaching Students with Dyslexia
Laura Cleary-Keogh (Technological University Dublin, Ireland)
15:45 - 16:00
Impact of International Women’s Day Event on 14-15-year-old participants
Mel Lacey (Sheffield Hallam University, UK)
16:00 - 16:15
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
16:15 - 17:15
Sticking with Science: Creative Approaches to Engaging Children with Bacterial Sequencing and Antimicrobial Resistance
Keira Cozens (Bath, UK)
17:15 - 17:30
Using Virtual Escape Rooms to Teach Biomedical Microbiology
Morgan Feeney (University of Strathclyde, UK)
17:30 - 17:45
Interactive Showcase: 1) Antimicrobial Resistance – The Graphic Novel: establishing an interdisciplinary project team 2) Bug-buster: an outreach activity to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance. 3) From Data to Doodles: Communicating Science Through Sketchnotes 4) Immersive virtual reality in second-level and higher education: a partnered narrative on the challenges and opportunities for STEM engagement"
Nicola Crewe (University of Lincoln, UK); Elena Jordana-Lluch (Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands & CIBRINFEC, Spain); Katie Silver (De Montfort University, UK); Jerry Reen (University College Cork, Ireland)
17:45 - 18:15
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 1)
Eukaryotic microbes encompass a dazzling array of organisms, habitats, and niches that are frequently overlooked. They are of primary relevance to both ecological & environmental health and plant & animal pathogenesis, and increasingly are being exploited by the biotech industry. This symposium will celebrate and bring to focus the large biodiversity of microbial eukaryotes, their roles and relevance, and highlight the unique challenges posed in studying them. We welcome submissions on any microbial eukaryotes (fungi, yeasts, algae, protists, parasites) and their role in health, the environment, and industry
Studio
Organisers
Alison Smith, Fiona Henriquez, Campbell Gourlay, Eoin O'Cinneide, Daniel Larcombe, Nicolas Pionnier, Fabrizio Alberti, Maria Domingo, Jordan Price
Tuning gene expression for parasite resilience and persistence
Sebastian Lourido (Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, MIT, USA)
15:00 - 15:45
Comparative transcriptomics of Trichomonas tenax from distinct hosts reveal bacterial interaction signatures in xenic versus axenic culture conditions
Israa Asker (Biosciences Institute- Newcastle University, UK & National Liver Institute- Menoufia University, Egypt)
15:45 - 16:00
Mechanism of ammonium transport is critical in yeast filamentation
Peter Henderson (University of Strathclyde, UK)
16:00 - 16:15
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
16:15 - 17:15
Genus-Wide Phenogenomics of Trichoderma Reveals Ecological Plasticity and Biosecurity Implications
Irina S Druzhinina (Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, UK)
17:15 - 17:45
Adaptation to free-living drives loss of beneficial endosymbiosis through a metabolic trade-off
Erika Hansson (University of Manchester, UK)
17:45 - 18:00
Elucidating the unknown diversity and functional roles of eukaryotic microorganisms in subseafloor ecosystems.
Maxime Allioux (JAMSTEC, Yokosuka, Japan)
18:00 - 18:05
Testing reference-free tools for phylogenetic clustering in malaria parasites
Charlotte Campbell (Nottingham Trent University, UK)
18:05 - 18:10
New Investigators Professional Development Panel
Establishing an independent research group is both exciting and challenging. At this stage, new investigators develop innovative scientific directions, build teams, secure funding, navigate the world of higher education teaching and build networks within the community. This session will highlight the groundbreaking work of researchers who have started their independent groups within the past 5 years and will feature newly appointed investigators, researchers who transitioned from industry to academia and those who learned through direct experience. Showcasing diverse topics across microbiology, from bacterial to fungal and viral research, this session provides a platform for emerging leaders to present their latest findings, share insights into their research vision, foster collaborations and establish their presence within the microbiology community. This session will also feature a panel discussion on new investigators experiences in establishing their groups and the varied successful routes to achieve this.
Hall 2B
Organisers
Jack Bryant, Chris Cooper, Kalai Mathee, Jerry Reen, Nicholas Locker
Chair(s): Jack Bryant and Chris Cooper
Building an independent research group in bacterial cell envelope biology
Georgia Isom (University of Oxford, UK)
15:00 - 15:15
Starting a new research group on the other side of the world
Jeremy Keown (University of Warwick, UK)
15:15 - 15:30
Planet, pathogens and a few penguins!
Jane Usher (University of Exeter, UK)
15:30 - 15:45
Multi-scale approaches to understand multi-faceted biofilm challenges
Liam Rooney (University of Glasgow, UK)
15:45 - 16:00
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
16:15 - 17:15
Panel Discussion
Georgia Isom (University of Oxford, UK), Jeremy Keown (University of Warwick, UK), Jane Usher (University of Exeter, UK), Liam Rooney (University of Glasgow, UK)
17:15 - 18:00
Phage biology with a view to application
This symposium aims to take an interdisciplinary approach to explore the latest advancements in phage research. This symposium welcomes research encompassing all areas of phage biology, such as medicine, veterinary science, food safety, genetic engineering, evolution, agriculture and the environment. As antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to threaten human, animal, and environmental health, phage therapy is emerging as a promising alternative. However, successful implementation requires an in depth understanding of the fundamental biology underlying phage-bacterial interactions including bacterial resistance mechanisms and efficacy in complex environments, and using this knowledge to address the practical and regulatory hurdles of bringing phage into clinical use. Advances in genomics are allowing us to be ‘smarter’ in designing phage cocktails and developing personalised medicine approaches. Understanding both biological and regulatory principles is essential to ensure the safe, effective and sustainable use of phage across One Health domains.
Hall 2A
Organisers
Alison Low, John Kenny, Jai Mehat
Chair(s): Alison Low, John Kenny, Jai Mehat
From Viral Dark Matter to the Molecular Mechanisms of Phage Therapy
Alexander Harms (ETH Zurich, Switzerland)
15:00 - 15:30
Unravelling Phage-Bacteria Interactions: Quantifying and Predicting through Growth Kinetics and Machine Learning
Ignacio Salinas Valdivieso (University of Edinburgh, UK)
15:30 - 15:45
Visualizing and tracking the infection of f1 filamentous bacteriophage at single-cell levels
Vuong V. H. Le (University of Exeter, UK)
15:45 - 16:00
From Structure to Therapy: Engineering
Clostridioides difficile
Phages to Overcome Barriers in Phage Therapy
Anirudh Jakhmola (University of Sheffield, UK)
16:00 - 16:05
Phages and phage-derived proteins for Proteus
mirabilis
biocontrol
16:05 - 16:10
Hi-C resolved rumen viromics improves host assignment and ecological insights
Giulia Amore Bonapasta (Teagasc & University College Cork, Ireland)
16:10 - 16:15
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
16:15 - 17:15
From Isolation to Inhalation: Developing and Enabling Access to Phage Treatments for Chronic Lung Infection
Jo Fothergill (University of Liverpool, UK)
17:15 - 17:45
Isolation and application of novel bacteriophages against the cattle pathogen
Moraxella bovis
Benjamin Swift (Carus Animal Health, Stevenage, United Kingdom)
17:45 - 18:00
Genotype to Phenotype: High-Throughput Characterisation of Defence Phenotypes in
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Meg Llewellyn (University of Exeter, UK)
18:00 - 18:15
Virus Symposium: Viral manipulation of the intracellular RNA world (Part 1)
Both DNA and RNA viruses introduce novel RNA sequences into an infected cell that must survive and thrive in the cytoplasm. To do this they manipulate the host cell in myriad ways, from rewiring RNA splicing, modification and decay to producing non-coding RNAs that sequester cellular factors, reprogramming the RNA-binding protein (RBP)-ome and creating bespoke sub-cytoplasmic compartments.
Auditorium
Organisers
Hannah Burgess, Alex Borodavka, Stephen Graham
Virus hijacking of a nuclear condensate formed around an ArcRNA
Adrian Whitehouse (University of Leeds, UK)
15:00 - 15:35
Crosstalk between the protein kinase R and interferon host response pathways in herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection
Lauren Kerfoot (University of Surrey, UK)
15:35 - 15:55
Impact of post-transcriptional epitranscriptomics modifications on the pathobiology of influenza virus
Vidya Manju (Lancaster University, UK)
15:55 - 16:15
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
16:15 - 17:15
Decoding the structure, function and distribution of viral nuclease-resistant RNA structures
Anna-Lena Steckelberg (Columbia University, USA)
17:15 - 17:50
Investigating RNA-RNA interactions underpinning rotavirus selective genomic packaging
Aidan Tollervey (University of Oxford & University of Cambridge, UK)
17:50 - 18:10
Get Involved drop-in: Society membership
Level 1 Foyer
16:15 - 17:15
Refreshments & Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
16:15 - 17:15
Get Involved: governance opportunities
Charlotte Holtum (Microbiology Society, UK), Hall 2A
16:30 - 17:00
Prize Medal Prize Lecture: Bacterial cell-cell communication: mechanisms and exploitation
Professor Paul Williams (University of Nottingham, Professor of Molecular Microbiology, at the Biodiscovery Institute and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK), Auditorium
18:30 - 19:15
Welcome Reception
Exhibition Hall
19:15 - 20:00
Tuesday 14 April, Morning
Badge Collection
Riverside Foyer
07:30 - 09:00
Translational Microbiology Prize Lecture: From pathogen to medicine: how to train your (oncolytic) virus
Professor Alan Parker (University of Cardiff School of Medicine), Auditorium
09:00 - 09:45
Education and Outreach Symposium (Part 2)
This session highlights innovative work in education and outreach across professional, academic, and community settings. Speakers will share practical strategies and collaborative approaches for engaging diverse audiences—including learners, clinicians, technicians, and industry partners. The session aims to inspire new ideas, strengthen connections, and support effective, inclusive engagement practices.
Meeting Room 1
Organisers
Gemma Wattret, Alison Graham, Sean Goodman, Monika Gostic, Laura Cleary-Keogh and Brooklyn Rowlands (EC co-chair)
Chair(s): Gemma Wattret / Laura Cleary-Keogh
What's the point of assessment? Maximising the value of the most powerful tool for student development
Dominic Henri (University of Hull, UK)
10:00 - 10:30
The Development of a Microbiome Based Springer Project to Develop Readiness for Capstone Projects
Sara Henderson (University of Bradford, UK)
10:30 - 10:35
From Report to Action: Interpreting Antimicrobial Susceptibility in Everyday Clinical Practice
Anne-Marie Dolan (Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland)
10:35 - 10:40
Developing innovative educational resources for European COST Actions
Georgios Efthimiou (University of Hull, UK)
10:40 - 10:45
Enhancing Communication Skills in Microbiology Through Outreach
Jenny Herbert (University of Manchester, UK)
10:45 - 10:50
Reflecting on Honours Project Delivery through Antibiotics Unearthed: A Semi-Structured, Group Supervision Approach for Equitable, Research-Driven Learning and Curriculum Sustainability
Fiona Stainsby (Edinburgh Napier University, UK)
10:50 - 10:55
Science: Live on Stage – bringing science to schoolchildren through theatre
Nicola Crewe (University of Lincoln, UK)
10:55 - 11:00
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
11:00 - 12:15
Transforming equity in STEM education through Alternative Grading
Arindam Mitra (RV University, Bengaluru, India)
12:15 - 12:30
Making Microbiology Memorable through Digital Interaction
Jessica Locker (De Montfort University, UK)
12:30 - 12:45
Space Matters - or does it? Exploring Team Based Learning across Varied Learning Environments
Bunmi Omorotionmwan (Nottingham Trent University, UK)
12:45 - 13:00
Chair(s): Monika Gostic
Panel session
TBC
13:00 - 13:30
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 2)
Eukaryotic microbes encompass a dazzling array of organisms, habitats, and niches that are frequently overlooked. They are of primary relevance to both ecological & environmental health and plant & animal pathogenesis, and increasingly are being exploited by the biotech industry. This symposium will celebrate and bring to focus the large biodiversity of microbial eukaryotes, their roles and relevance, and highlight the unique challenges posed in studying them. We welcome submissions on any microbial eukaryotes (fungi, yeasts, algae, protists, parasites) and their role in health, the environment, and industry
Meeting Room 2
Organisers
Alison Smith, Fiona Henriquez, Campbell Gourlay, Eoin O'Cinneide, Daniel Larcombe, Nicolas Pionnier, Fabrizio Alberti, Maria Domingo, Jordan Price
Two decades of Trichophyton species isolates in Beaumont Hospital. Time to Tri to evaluate the North Dublin fungal dermatophyte landscape
Saoirse Ni Bhaoill (Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland)
10:00 - 10:05
A Discovery-to-Production Platform for Fungal Natural products
Pablo Cruz-Morales (Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Denmark)
10:05 - 10:45
Cross-Kingdom Microbial Interactions Reveal Genes Driving Stress Tolerance in Aspergillus fumigatus
Shafi Mondal (Clemson University, USA)
10:45 - 11:00
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
11:00 - 12:15
Algal health under anthropogenic pressures
Claire Gachon (Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, France)
12:15 - 12:45
HUMID: Honing Our Understanding of Microbial Diversity in Tropical Peatlands
Leanne O'Donoghue (University College Cork, Ireland)
12:45 - 13:00
Ambient temperature meta-omics of remote extremophile communities on snow and ice
Luke Richardson (University of Sheffield, UK)
13:00 - 13:15
Insights into yeast dynamics in artisanal stretched-curd cheeses: influence of wooden biofilms, processing surfaces, and seasonality
Silvia Ruta (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, Italy)
13:15 - 13:20
Biofilm-Resistant Dental Implants: Exploring Omega-3 Fatty Acids as a Functional Coating
Aoife Mulry (Technological University of the Shannon Midlands, Ireland)
13:20 - 13:25
Genetics and Genomics Forum (Part 1)
Genetics and genomics forum will consider offered papers on all aspects of the genes and genomes of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes and their mobile elements, including their sequencing, transcription, translation, regulation, chromosome dynamics, gene transfer, population genetics and evolution, taxonomy and systematics, comparative genomics, metagenomics, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology.
Hall 2B
Organisers
Lead: Bruno Francesco Rodrigues de Oliveira; Kasia Parfitt, David Cleary, Maria Rosa Domingo-Sananes, Jordan Price, Ines Hofer (EC co-chair)
Conjugation structures plasmid populations through host-lineage restriction
William Matlock (University of Oxford, UK)
10:00 - 10:15
Mapping Gene Function in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Through High-Throughput Chemical Genomics
Huda Ahmad (University of Birmingham, UK)
10:15 - 10:30
Looking back over two decades of cholera in Northern India
Nisha Singh (Welcome Sanger Institute, UK)
10:30 - 10:45
Data stewardship in microbial genomics research: the hidden complexity of reference strain variability
Angharad Green (University College London, UK)
10:45 - 11:00
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
11:00 - 12:15
A metabolic atlas of the
Klebsiella pneumoniae
species complex reveals lineage-specific metabolism and capacity for intra-species co-operation
Kelly Wyres (Monash University, Australia)
12:15 - 12:30
When do conjugation systems help antibiotic resistance plasmids to persist - and does their effect change over time?
Eliza Rayner (University of Cambridge, UK)
12:30 - 12:45
Synthetic riboswitches in the development of transposon mutagenesis for
Chlamydia muridarum
Dixita Naik (University of Southampton, UK)
12:45 - 13:00
Relaxed homology requirements drive high introgression in
Campylobacter
Eve Hallett (University of Oxford, UK)
13:00 - 13:15
Identifying Putative Virulence Factors with Highly Accurate Machine Learning Models
Jack Clark (University of Leicester, UK)
13:15 - 13:30
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 1)
This forum will consider offered papers on all aspects of microbial (prokaryotic and eukaryotic) metabolism, physiology and molecular biology. This will focus on fundamental and translational research in this area. This would include the metabolism and physiology of bacteria, archaea and eukaryotic microbes, including pathogens; biochemistry and structure of cells, cell growth and division; cell architecture and differentiation; synthesis and transport of macromolecules; ions and small molecules; development signalling and communication, sensing and cellular responses and also how this work informs microbial engineering, antimicrobial drug development, and other potential applications. All speakers will be selected from the submitted abstracts.
Hall 2A
Organisers
Lead: Chris Cooper; Reviewers: Stephan Heeb; Rebecca Corrigan; Alison Smith; Nicolas Pionnier; John Clark-Corrigall (EC co-chair)
Defining the multifactorial nature of commitment to sporulation in Bacillus subtilis
Betty Fekade (University of Warwick, UK)
10:00 - 10:15
Nanosized Multitools: Bacterial Vesicles Capture Micronutrients and Smuggle Proteins into the Host
Rokas Juodeikis (Quadram Institute, UK)
10:15 - 10:30
Tinker, Tailor, Probiotic Regulator of SPI: Uncovering hilA modulators of SPI-1 T3SS in Salmonella grown in probiotic cell-free conditioned media
John Clark-Corrigall (Newcastle University, UK)
10:30 - 10:45
The glucose uptake inhibitor SgrS is induced by D-serine yet does not contribute to growth arrest in enterohaemorrhagic E. coli
Ella Rellis (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
10:45 - 10:50
Oh, Please! 5-Oxoproline (OP), a natural amino acid derivative, is consumed by Campylobacter jejuni via a series of DUF proteins.
Jack Whitmore (University of Reading, UK)
10:50 - 10:55
Investigating the Regulatory Mechanisms of Acid Resistance in the Food-borne Pathogen Listeria monocytogenes by Rewiring the Trehalose Operon Expression
Jialun Wu (University of Galway, Ireland)
10:55 - 11:00
Investigating maturation and egress from host cells in the obligate intracellular bacterium
Orientia tsutsugamushi
Frances Aylward (University of Cambridge, UK)
12:15 - 12:20
Slow-Growing Human Cell Lines as an Alternative to Rabbit Sf1Ep Cells for In Vitro Cultivation of
Treponema pallidum
Katia Capuccini (Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK)
12:20 - 12:25
Identification of a water filled hemichannel within a sensor kinase governing antibiotic influx into Gram-negative cells
Joy Jun Yan Yau (University of Portsmouth, UK)
12:25 - 12:30
CprV safeguards cellular compartmentalisation in response to early developmental defects during Bacillus subtilis sporulation
Behzad Dehghani (University of Warwick, UK)
12:30 - 12:45
Small RNAs-mediated regulation of interspecies interactions in Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the polymicrobial environment of the cystic fibrosis airways
Edoardo Labrini (University of Cambridge, UK)
12:45 - 13:00
Investigating Temperate Phage Evolution and Function in Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Cystic Fibrosis Infections via CRISPRi Manipulation of Laboratory and Clinical Strains
Mariklairi Kiourkou (Northumbria University, UK)
13:00 - 13:15
A Novel Class of Survivors Against β-Lactam Antibiotics
Kieran Abbott (University of Cambridge, UK)
13:15 - 13:30
Mycobacteria: Challenges and progress
Mycobacterial research remains massively overlooked and underfunded, whilst the burden of mycobacterial disease continues to rise: tuberculosis is once again the leading cause of infectious death globally; non-tuberculosis mycobacterial infections are on the rise and M. bovis remains a dominant cause of bovine and zoonotic TB worldwide. We welcome abstracts from those working on all aspects of mycobacterial research. The session will be of broad interest as much of mycobacterial research is applicable to wide and diverse areas of microbiological study. This session will run next to the Actinomyces session to facilitate cross-pollination between these two related topics.
Meeting Room 3
Organisers
Daire Cantillon, Apoorva Bhatt, Dany Beste
Addressing key risk factors for effective control of TB in Ghana and West Africa
Dorothy Yeboah-Manu (Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Ghana)
10:00 - 10:20
Discovery of potentiators that boost the activity of pyrazinamide against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Joanna Bacon (UK Health Security Agency, UK)
10:20 - 10:35
Mycobacteria exhibit Metabolic Memory
George Mayson (University of Surrey, UK)
10:35 - 10:50
Riboswitch controlled glycine metabolism and detoxification in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Shahida Rafique (University College London, UK)
10:50 - 11:05
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
11:05 - 12:15
Exploring the diversity of mycobacteria cell surface modifying enzymes
Patrick Moynihan (University of Western Ontario, Canada)
12:15 - 12:35
Mode of action and mechanisms of resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Tanya Parish (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK)
12:35 - 12:55
Mycolactone-producing mycobacteria as surrogates to study
M. ulcerans
-macrophage interactions
Kwabena Owusu-Boateng (University of Surrey, UK)
12:55 - 13:10
Vaccine platforms to treat infectious diseases
Vaccination remains a powerful tool to combat infectious diseases. In this session, we will hear about ongoing work seeking to develop new approaches to treat major pathogens responsible for disease in humans and animals. The session will appeal to anyone interested in all areas of vaccine development and the platforms being utilised to develop new ways to treat important infectious causes of pathogenesis and disease in eukaryotes.
Studio
Organisers
Matthew Reeves, Nicolas Locker, Lindsay Broadbent, Prerna Vohra, Gordon Dougan, Merve Zeden
Chair(s): Prerna Vohra, Matthew Reeves
Next-generation animal health vaccines: an overview of vaccinology at The Pirbright Institute
Simon Graham (Pirbright Institute, UK)
10:00 - 10:30
Preventing Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection: a Novel T-Cell-Based Vaccine Strategy
Rachel Bell (Queens University Belfast, UK)
10:30 - 10:45
Novel Vaccine Candidates Targeting Antibiotic-Resistant A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa in an Acute Pneumonia Model
Nouran Rezk (University College Dublin, Ireland)
10:45 - 11:00
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition (Hall 1)
11:00 - 12:15
Chair(s): Merve Zeden, Lindsay Broadbent
Understanding the downstream consequences of Staphylococcus aureus induced ‘immune tuning’
Rachel McLoughlin (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
12:15 - 12:45
Development of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum as a Vaccine Platform against Infections caused by Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli
Ayah Francis (University of Surrey, UK)
12:45 - 13:00
Building a platform for infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness.
Matthew Snape (Moderna, UK)
13:00 - 13:30
Virus Symposium: Viral manipulation of the intracellular RNA world (Part 2)
Both DNA and RNA viruses introduce novel RNA sequences into an infected cell that must survive and thrive in the cytoplasm. To do this they manipulate the host cell in myriad ways, from rewiring RNA splicing, modification and decay to producing non-coding RNAs that sequester cellular factors, reprogramming the RNA-binding protein (RBP)-ome and creating bespoke sub-cytoplasmic compartments.
Auditorium
Organisers
Hannah Burgess, Alex Borodavka, Stephen Graham
Viral manipulation of RNA polymerase III
Daniel Depledge (Hannover Medical School, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) & Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Germany)
10:00 - 10:40
Regulation of influenza D virus matrix segment mRNA splicing
Shu Zhou (The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK)
10:40 - 11:00
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
11:00 - 12:15
The good, the bad and the ugly - a tale of different viruses and their interplay with stress granules during infection.
Nicolas Locker (Pirbright Institute, UK)
12:15 - 12:35
A cold inducible protein, RBM3 enhances the localization and stabilization of NP mRNA inside stress granules in influenza A virus infected cells
Swathi Sukumar (Queens University Belfast, UK)
12:35 - 12:55
Hidden Heroes: Nuclear RNA-binding proteins and their secret antiviral power
Alfredo Castello (MRC University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, UK)
12:55 - 13:30
Get Involved drop-in: Champions Scheme
Level 1 Foyer
11:00 - 12:15
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
11:00 - 12:15
Journals drop-in: Access Microbiology and Microbiology Outlooks
Exhibition Hall
11:30 - 12:00
Tuesday 14 April, Afternoon
Get Involved drop-in: policy
Level 1 Foyer
13:30 - 14:30
Lunch & Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
13:30 - 14:30
Publishing Fundamentals - an Introduction to Peer Review
Tom Sharp (Microbiology Society, UK), Hall 2A
13:45 - 14:15
MP Biomedicals: Powering Microbial Discovery Through Consistent Sample Prep
Exhibition Hall
Organisers
Powering Microbial Discovery Through Consistent Sample Prep
Veronique Karsten (MP Biomedicals, France)
13:45 - 14:15
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 3)
Eukaryotic microbes encompass a dazzling array of organisms, habitats, and niches that are frequently overlooked. They are of primary relevance to both ecological & environmental health and plant & animal pathogenesis, and increasingly are being exploited by the biotech industry. This symposium will celebrate and bring to focus the large biodiversity of microbial eukaryotes, their roles and relevance, and highlight the unique challenges posed in studying them. We welcome submissions on any microbial eukaryotes (fungi, yeasts, algae, protists, parasites) and their role in health, the environment, and industry
Meeting Room 2
Organisers
Alison Smith, Fiona Henriquez, Campbell Gourlay, Eoin O'Cinneide, Daniel Larcombe, Nicolas Pionnier, Fabrizio Alberti, Maria Domingo, Jordan Price
Blastocystis—First Settler or Scapegoat? One Health rules for a misunderstood gut eukaryote
Anastasios Tsaousis (University of Kent, UK)
14:30 - 15:00
Investigating the Effects of Short-Chain Fatty Acids on Epithelial Barrier Dynamics in Microsporidia-Infected Caco-2 Cells
Moudy Bin Saleh (Newcastle University, UK & King Saud University, Saudi Arabia)
15:00 - 15:15
Performance and Cost-Utility of Non-Culture Diagnostics for Invasive Aspergillosis in a Resource-Limited Setting: A Prospective, One-Year Study in Peshawar, Pakistan
Maria Khan (Peshawar, Pakistan)
15:15 - 15:20
Airborne Fungal Diversity and Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in a Care Home Environment
Danyi Cheng (Queen's University Belfast, UK)
15:20 - 15:25
Amid Magic and Menace: Psychiatrists’ attitudes to Psilocybin therapy
Andrew Gribben (National Drug Treatment Centre, Dublin, Ireland)
15:25 - 15:30
Break
15:30 - 16:45
The filarial 'microbiome'; new therapeutic approaches for tackling filarial parasitic diseases
Joseph Turner (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK)
16:45 - 17:15
A multi-omic approach to understand the biology of the gut protist Blastocystis
Daisy Shaw (University of Kent, UK)
17:15 - 17:30
Strain-dependent survival and environmental resilience of Candida auris under UV-B exposure
Ayorinde Akinbobola (University of Stirling, UK)
17:30 - 17:45
Defining the breadth and mechanisms of Cryptococcal killing by phytocannabinoids
Evie Clay (Macquarie University, Australia)
17:45 - 18:00
Genetics and Genomics Forum (Part 2)
Genetics and genomics forum will consider offered papers on all aspects of the genes and genomes of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes and their mobile elements, including their sequencing, transcription, translation, regulation, chromosome dynamics, gene transfer, population genetics and evolution, taxonomy and systematics, comparative genomics, metagenomics, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology.
Hall 2B
Organisers
Lead: Bruno Francesco Rodrigues de Oliveira; Kasia Parfitt, David Cleary, Maria Rosa Domingo-Sananes, Jordan Price, Ines Hofer (EC co-chair)
Beyond SNPs: Genome Rearrangements Influence
Salmonella Virulence
and Resistance
Emma Waters (Quadram Institute, UK)
14:30 - 14:45
ANI old method won't do: objective benchmarking of ANI/OGRI tool performance
Leighton Pritchard (University of Strathclyde, UK)
14:45 - 15:00
Activation of bacterial transcription by distortion of promoter base pairing
Ksenia Klimova (Aston University, UK)
15:00 - 15:15
Nisin-like biosynthetic gene clusters are widely distributed across microbiomes
David Hourigan (University College Cork, Ireland)
15:15 - 15:30
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
15:30 - 16:45
Identification of tandem repeats of an endogenous RdRp-like element in multiple species of butterfly and moth
Katy Brown (University of Cambridge, UK)
16:45 - 17:00
Multi-thousand genome census to uncover the origins, evolution and diversity of TRAP transport systems across prokaryotic domains
Duncan Sussfeld (University of Oxford, UK)
17:00 - 17:15
Metal adaptation as a major event of bacterial diversification around 2 Billion years ago
Priyanshu Raikwar (University of Oxford, UK)
17:15 - 17:30
A reproducible genomic data mining approach for antivirulence target prioritisation in clinical
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Sabah AE Ibrahim (Robert Gordon University, UK & National University, Khartoum, Sudan)
17:30 - 17:45
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 1)
We invite talks on our four themes (surveillance, vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics) that impact AMR.
Part one (Tuesday 14 April PM):
What do we have that impacts AMR now?
Short talks
Plenary talk: Baroness Natalie Bennett, House of Lords
Panel discussion: Baroness Natalie Bennett (House of Lords, UK)
Part two (Wednesday 15 April AM):
Tackling Big Challenges: What could we do better to have a greater impact?
Horizon scanning workshop
Auditorium
Organisers
Catrin Moore, Jonathan Cox, Marwa Alawi (EC Co-Chair)
Knocking Out AMR
14:30 - 14:35
Chair(s): Catrin Moore, Jonathan Cox & Marwa Alawi
Co-creating the Future of AMR Education: Insights from Educators on Teaching Needs to Support the Microbiology Society KO-AMR project
Thiru Vanniasinkam (Charles Sturt University, Australia)
14:35 - 14:45
Antimicrobial polymers as emerging therapeutics: efficacy, antimicrobial interactions, and limited resistance evolution against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Natasha Reddy (University of Warwick, UK)
14:45 - 14:55
Why We Medicate: Behavioural Predictors of Antimicrobial Use in Companion Animals
Jordan Pratt (Queen's University Belfast, UK)
14:55 - 15:05
Exposing the resistance: 'True' detection of antimicrobial resistance genes through a customisable and interpretable multi-tool approach with AMRfíor
Katie Lawther (Queen's University Belfast, UK)
15:05 - 15:15
Flash talk: Tracking AMR in a Changing Climate: Plasmid-Mediated Antibiotic Resistance in Flooded Agricultural Soils in Ireland
Eva Kilcoyne (Maynooth University, Ireland)
15:15 - 15:17
Flash talk: Host-pathogen interactions shape the evolution of antimicrobial resistance
Doaa Higazy (University of Copenhagen, Denmark)
15:17 - 15:19
Flash talk: Detection and Characterisation of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in the Faeces of Irish Cattle
Mairead Quinn (TUS, Athlone, Ireland)
15:19 - 15:21
Flash talk: Narrow spectrum drug repurposing for bacterial vaginosis
Ryan Kean (Glasgow Caledonian University, UK)
15:21 - 15:23
Flash talk: Mobile Resistance Genes in Archaea: Genomic Evidence and One Health Implications
Ziming Wu (Queen's University Belfast, UK)
15:23 - 15:25
Flash talk: Genotypic evaluation of ESBL/AmpC producing- E. coli in health cattle in the UK
Larissa Melo Chicoski (Scotland's Rural College, UK)
15:25 - 15:27
Flash talk: Rapid emergence of colistin resistance is driven by phenotypic and gene duplicated tolerant intermediates
Ratnasri Krishna Murthy (Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India)
15:27 - 15:29
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
15:29 - 16:45
Linking parliament, policy, politics and AMR: transforming 20th-century understandings for the 21st century
Natalie Bennett (House of Lords, UK)
16:45 - 17:00
AMR Policy Needs the Next Generation, Now!
Ava Drake (University of Stirling, UK)
17:00 - 17:05
Panel Discussion
Natalie Bennett (House of Lords, UK), Ava Drake (University of Stirling, UK), Simon Rolfe (Welsh Government, UK), Jamie Whitford (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, UK)
17:05 - 18:00
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 2)
This forum will consider offered papers on all aspects of microbial (prokaryotic and eukaryotic) metabolism, physiology and molecular biology. This will focus on fundamental and translational research in this area. This would include the metabolism and physiology of bacteria, archaea and eukaryotic microbes, including pathogens; biochemistry and structure of cells, cell growth and division; cell architecture and differentiation; synthesis and transport of macromolecules; ions and small molecules; development signalling and communication, sensing and cellular responses and also how this work informs microbial engineering, antimicrobial drug development, and other potential applications. All speakers will be selected from the submitted abstracts.
Hall 2A
Organisers
Lead: Chris Cooper; Reviewers: Stephan Heeb; Rebecca Corrigan; Alison Smith; Nicolas Pionnier; John Clark-Corrigall (EC co-chair)
NAD(P)H Quinone Oxidoreductases as Modulators of Antibiotic Resistance in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Christina Stylianou (Northumbria University, UK)
14:30 - 14:45
Exposure to antimicrobial peptides triggers immune evasion in
Staphylococcus aureus
Edward Chaloner (University of Bath, UK)
14:45 - 15:00
Unveiling the arthropod side of Orientia tsutsugamushi: New models reveal how the scrub typhus pathogen thrives in vector hosts
Magda Rogowska-van der Molen (University of Cambridge, UK)
15:00 - 15:15
Multi omic’s approach informs sustainable manufacture of Streptomyces-derived antibiotics
Alexa Gannon (University of Strathclyde, UK)
15:15 - 15:20
Silencing the Competition: Concentration-Dependent Bacteriostasis of Vibrionaceae by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing Signal HHQ
Conor Hill (University College Cork, Ireland)
15:20 - 15:25
Microbial and Metabolic Mediators of Host–Microbe Dialogue in Early Life
Emily A. Butler (University College Cork, Ireland)
15:25 - 15:30
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
15:30 - 16:45
Identifying New Targets for Quorum-Sensing Molecules in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Isabel Askenasy (University of Cambridge, UK)
16:45 - 17:00
Siderophore Piracy in Cystic Fibrosis: Staphylococcus aureus hijacks ornibactin from
Burkholderia cenocepacia
Charlotte Jeffery (University of Leicester, UK)
17:00 - 17:15
Structural studies of a cell-surface biofilm adhesin from a pathogenic bacterium
Olivia Smith (University of Cambridge, UK)
17:15 - 17:30
Out of Body Experience- in vitro models of infection (Complex cell infection models)
Recent developments in primary cell culture, organoids and bioengineering have resulted in increased understanding of infection biology. These complex models have allowed development of microphysiological systems and organ-on-chip models allowing modelling of microbial mechanisms of infection, immune evasion and host immune signalling.
Studio
Organisers
John Mac Sharry, Anna Cliffe, Lindsay Broadbent, Nicky O'Boyle, Clive McKimmie, Ben Brennan, Stephen Graham, Jack Ferguson, Oya Cingoz, Rania Nassar (EC Co-Chair)
Chair(s): Clive McKimmie & Rania Nassar
Age Matters: Dissecting Epithelial and Neutrophil Responses to Respiratory Viruses Using Complex In‑Vitro Models
Claire Smith (University College London, UK)
14:30 - 15:00
Differential host responses to RSV infection in epithelial-fibroblast co-cultures derived from healthy and COPD individuals
Telma Sancheira Freitas (University of Surrey, UK)
15:00 - 15:15
Organoid models for assessment of novel therapeutics against BK polyomavirus
Stephen Adonai Leon-Icaza (University of Cambridge, UK)
15:15 - 15:30
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
15:30 - 16:45
Chair(s): Lindsay Broadbent & Rania Nassar
Clostridia from preterm infants metabolise human milk oligosaccharides to suppress pathobionts and modulate intestinal function in organoids
Jon Chapman (Newcastle University, UK)
16:45 - 17:15
Development of 3D skin organoid models to study the role of virus accessory proteins in HSV1 infection
Natasha Preston (University of Surrey, UK)
17:15 - 17:30
Development of Bovine Mammary Organoids for the Study of Bovine Mastitis
Agatha Nabilla Lestari (The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK)
17:30 - 17:45
Interkingdom Cross-Talk Between Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an In Vitro Model of Respiratory Co-infection
Stephen Dolan (Clemson University, USA)
17:45 - 18:00
Virus Forum: Innate Immunity
Meeting Room 1
Organisers
Helena Maier; Lindsay Broadbent
Chair(s): Connor Bamford & Lee Sherry
Interferon plays a key role in the establishment of persistent parainfluenza virus type 5 infection
Elizabeth Wignall-Fleming (University of St Andrews, UK)
14:30 - 14:42
Chair(s): Connor Bamford & Lee Sherry
Distinct Spatial Patterns of Antiviral Immunity Induced by Human IFNλs
Kaitlin Donovan (Queen's University Belfast, UK)
14:42 - 14:54
Spatial proteomics identifies a novel modulator of innate immunity
Joanne Kite (University of Cambridge, UK)
14:54 - 15:06
Chair(s): Connor Bamford & Lee Sherry
Antiviral defence is a conserved function of diverse DNA glycosylases
Landon Getz (University of Toronto, Canada)
15:06 - 15:18
Chair(s): Connor Bamford & Lee Sherry
Exploring the Antiviral Potential of Bat Antimicrobial Peptides
Christiane Cladrowa (University of Edinburgh, UK)
15:18 - 15:30
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
15:30 - 16:45
Chair(s): Connor Bamford & Lee Sherry
Alterations in mitochondrial related processes during influenza A virus infection
Daniela Brás (Católica Biomedical Research Centre, Portugal)
16:45 - 16:57
Chair(s): Connor Bamford & Lee Sherry
From antiviral to proviral: the dual role of NcoA7 in arenavirus infection
Robert Stott-Marshall (University of Nottingham, UK)
16:57 - 17:09
Chair(s): Connor Bamford & Lee Sherry
Deciphering modes of inhibition of OROV entry
Dominic Wooding (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK)
17:09 - 17:21
Chair(s): Connor Bamford & Lee Sherry
A new complex of three HSV-1 proteins antagonises cellular antiviral mechanisms
Marianne Perera (University of Cambridge, UK)
17:21 - 17:33
Chair(s): Connor Bamford & Lee Sherry
Novel insights into the HCMV “effectome” from highly multiplexed proteomic analysis of single gene expressing cells
Theo von Wilmowski (University of Cambridge, UK)
17:33 - 17:45
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 1)
Meeting Room 3B
Organisers
Ethan Morgan; Anna Cliffe
Genome-Scale CRISPR-Cas9 Knockout Screening in Avian Cells Identifies a Novel Host Factor to Prevent Influenza Virus Infection
Rosemary Blake (The Roslin Institute, UK)
14:30 - 14:42
Characterizing host dependencies of the Hepatitis E virus ORF1 protein during viral replication
Khadijah Abualsaoud (University of Leeds, UK)
14:42 - 14:54
Molecular players for forming liquid inclusions in influenza A virus infection
Aidan O'Riain (Universidade Católica Portuguesa & Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine, Portugal)
14:54 - 15:06
Illuminating Reassortment: Single-Molecule Tools for Studying Segmented RNA Viruses
Stefano Bonazza (University of Cambridge, UK)
15:06 - 15:18
Human Cytomegalovirus pUS14: A Novel Inhibitor of Cholesterol Metabolism That Modulates Innate Immunity
Jiayi Li (University of Cambridge, UK)
15:18 - 15:30
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
15:30 - 16:45
How far can AlphaFold go? Lessons from modelling virus–host protein interactions using AlphaFold3
Ulad Litvin (MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, UK)
16:45 - 16:57
Uncovering the RNA cleavage landscape of HSV-1 VHS using ADAR-based RNA footprinting
Alistair Tweedie (University of Surrey, UK)
16:57 - 17:09
Deciphering the mechanism of coronavirus regulation by m6A RNA modification
Ikshitaa Dinesh (Imperial College, London & University of Surrey, UK)
17:09 - 17:21
Understanding dinucleotide bias in Influenza A virus via UpA enrichment in polymerase and nucleoprotein genes
Ananya Hoque (The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK)
17:21 - 17:33
Characterising the interaction between Bunyaviruses and host cellular stress pathways.
Emily Relton (The Pirbright Institute, UK)
17:33 - 17:45
Location, location, location: Where you put your reporter gene in influenza A virus really does matter
Colin Sharp (The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK)
17:45 - 17:57
Virus Forum: Vaccines & Antivirals
Meeting Room 3A
Organisers
Matt Reeves, Rowan Casey and Lee Sherry
Optimisation and characterisation of a nanoluciferase-encoding feline calicivirus as a molecular tool
Hagar Sasvari (MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, UK)
14:30 - 14:42
Targeting calicivirus entry – a VP2-based peptide inhibitor of Feline Calicivirus
Charlotte Lewis (University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, UK)
14:42 - 14:54
Characterising the effect of the capsid inhibitor Lenacapavir on immune clearance of HIV-1-infected cells
Daniël Roovers (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK)
14:54 - 15:06
Nef as a therapeutic target for PROTAC-mediated degradation toward enhancement of HIV-1 cure efficacy
Dylan Postmus (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK)
15:06 - 15:18
Characterisation of the antiviral properties of natural product pellemicin
Afifah Tasnim (University of Warwick, UK)
15:18 - 15:30
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
15:30 - 16:45
Early non-structural antigens drive anti-HCMV antibody-dependent phagocytosis, but antigenic requirements differ from antibody-dependent NK activation
Carys Moore (Cardiff University, UK)
16:45 - 16:57
Controlling HCMV Through Engineered NK-Mediated Antibody Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity-Inducing Immunotherapies.
Hannah Preston (Cardiff University, UK)
16:57 - 17:09
Piezoelectric Antivirals: A New Wave of Therapy
Ellie Martin (London South Bank University, UK)
17:09 - 17:21
Use of Electron Radiation for the Development of an Inactivated Vaccine Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Tom Moore (University of Surrey & The National Physical Laboratory, UK)
17:21 - 17:33
From moderate virulence to protective immunity: insights from inbred pigs infected with ASFV Estonia 2014
Priscilla YL Tng (The Pirbright Institute, UK)
17:33 - 17:45
OrbiSIMS modelling and structural biology approaches reveal mechanisms of viral attenuation in recombinant arenaviruses
Alex Childs (University of Nottingham, UK)
17:45 - 17:57
Get Involved drop-in: governance and Shadowing Scheme
Level 1 Foyer
15:30 - 16:45
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
15:30 - 16:45
Journals drop-in: Journal of Medical Microbiology and Microbiology
Exhibition Hall
16:00 - 16:30
Fleming Prize Lecture: Unravelling Respiratory Viral Infections: from Bedside to Bench and Back
Professor Antonia Ho (MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research), Auditorium
18:15 - 19:00
Wednesday 15 April, Morning
Badge Collection
Riverside Foyer
07:30 - 09:00
Outreach and Engagement Prize Lecture: "Science isn’t finished until it is communicated"
Dr Lindsay Broadbent (University of Surrey), Auditorium
09:00 - 09:45
Environmental, Applied and Industrial Microbiology Forum (Part 1)
This forum includes offered papers on any area and any organism relevant to environmental, ecological, applied and industrial microbiology, including (non-human) host–microbe communities and interactions, marine and freshwater microbiology, soil and geomicrobiology, air-, cryo- and extremophile microbiology, climate change, biotechnology, bio-processing and bio-engineering, food microbiology, and other applied and industrial microbial processes, including microbe-mediated biodegradation and bioremediation.
Hall 2B
Organisers
Lead: Kalai Mathee; Bruno Francesco Rodrigues de Oliveira; Fabrizio Alberti; Fiona Henriquez-Mui; Anup Kodape; Alison Graham (EC co-chair)
Stable-isotope probing identifies anaerobic DMSP degraders and routes to DMS and methane in Blakeney salt-marsh sediments
Jeff Ojwach (University of East Anglia, UK)
10:00 - 10:15
Microbial Diversity and Biosyntethic Potential of a UK Hypersaline Brine
Michael Macey (The Open University, UK)
10:15 - 10:30
Divergence between intracellular and extracellular niches drives endosymbiont evolutionary entrapment
Erika Hansson (University of Manchester, UK)
10:30 - 10:45
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
11:00 - 12:15
The Role of Flagellar Motility in Bacterial-Fungal Endosymbiosis
Ariel Heinrich (University of Arizona, USA)
12:15 - 12:30
High-Throughput Screening of Algal–Bacterial Interactions for Functional Discovery, Ecological Insight, and Biotechnological Application
Zongting Cai (University of Sheffield, UK)
12:30 - 12:45
A Hitchhiker's Guide to Soils: Exploring How Free-Living Nematodes and Bacteria Impact Rhizosphere Microbiomes
Ciara Keating (Durham University, UK), Hall 2B
12:45 - 13:00
Molecular tracking of fermentation-associated microorganisms in artisanal cheese-making processes
Silvia Ruta (University of Catania, Italy)
13:00 - 13:15
Polyphasic characterization of
Bacillus subtilis strains
for iru fermentation and vitamin bioenrichment
Afolake Olanbiwoninu (Ajayi Crowther University, Nigeria)
13:15 - 13:30
Infection Forum (Part 1)
Offered papers (and associated posters) will be presented in areas related to clinical, veterinary and plant infections caused by microbial pathogens. This will include detection and diagnosis, identification, typing and epidemiology, pathogenesis, virulence, host response and immunity, treatment and prevention, antimicrobial agents and resistance, transmission and models of infection. Eligible abstracts can be entered into the Infection Science Award competition, with the awardees invited to the Federation of Infection Societies annual meeting.
Studio
Organisers
Leads: Joey Shepherd; Fadil Bidmos; Reviewers: Ashley Otter; Mathew Diggle; Donal Wall; Ahmed Lafi; Natalie Lamont (EC co-chair)
Welcome
10:00 - 10:05
Infection Science Award talk: Surgical Site Infections in returning cosmetic surgery tourists: A multi-centre prospective, observational study across Irish hospitals over a twelve-month period (Recorded)
Siobháin Kelly (Connolly Hospital, Ireland & Healthcare Infection Society, UK)
10:05 - 10:25
Infection Science Award talk: Oropouche Virus Reaches the UK: A Diagnostic Wake-Up Call for an Emerging Arbovirus
Wubbo de Boer (University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust))
10:25 - 10:45
Cold plasma briefly increases antibiotic susceptibility in biofilms
Thomas Thompson (Queen's University Belfast, UK)
10:45 - 11:00
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
11:00 - 12:15
Beyond the genome: linking genotype to phenotype for invasive non-Typhoidal
Salmonella enteritidis
Aisling Brady (University of Liverpool, UK)
12:15 - 12:30
Disruption of the nucleoli and translation by a
Legionella
Dot/Icm T4SS effector
Vikrant Kashyap (Queen’s University Belfast, UK)
12:30 - 12:45
Single-cell transcriptomics and metagenomic analysis reveal mechanisms of long-term immunity to cholera following infection and vaccination
Lia Bote (Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK)
12:45 - 13:00
Comparative analysis of
Staphylococcus aureus
from matched within-patient nasal and infection sites reveals that virulence phenotypes correlate with clonal complex and not isolate source
Justine Rudkin (University of Glasgow, UK)
13:00 - 13:15
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 2)
We invite talks on our four themes (surveillance, vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics) that impact AMR.
Tackling Big Challenges: What could we do better to have a greater impact?
Horizon scanning workshop
Meeting Room 3B
Organisers
Catrin Moore, Jonathan Cox, Marwa Alawi (EC Co-Chair)
Sharing is caring
Simon Rolfe (Welsh Government, UK)
10:00 - 10:10
UKRI Transdisciplinary AMR Networks Showcase
Jamie Whitford (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, UK)
10:10 - 10:20
Horizon scanning workshop: Tackling Big Challenges: What could we do better to have a greater impact?
10:20 - 10:50
Group Feedback
10:50 - 11:00
Horizon scanning workshop: Wrap-up session
12:15 - 13:15
Microbial pangenomics: reaching new frontiers of an open and evolving discipline (Part 1)
The advent of high-throughput genome sequencing has revealed that genetic differences among individuals in various species are not solely due to small polymorphisms. Instead, these differences also arise from variations in the presence and absence of genes and non-coding regions. This discovery has given rise to the concept of pangenomes, which encompass the entire set of genes within a species, including core genes that are present in all individuals and accessory genes that vary among individuals. In this session, we will delve into the latest research on the structure and evolution of microbial pangenomes, as well as the challenges involved in their analysis.
Hall 2A
Organisers
Bruno Francesco Rodrigues de Oliveira, Samuel Sheppard, Maria Rosa Domingo-Sananes, Kasia Parfitt, Eva Heinz, Guerrino Macori, Eoin Ó Cinnéide, Elizabeth Cummins, Alan McNally
The pangenome of
Aspergillus fumigatus
highlights the dynamics of gene gain-loss over evolutionary time-scales in a human fungal pathogen
Harry Chown (Imperial College London, UK)
10:00 - 10:30
Pangenomics Predicts Antifungal Siderotype of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Jacob Hudson (University of Kent, UK)
10:30 - 10:45
Pandemic lineage emergence leads to collateral species-wide evolution
Elizabeth Cummins (University of Oxford,UK)
10:45 - 11:00
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
11:00 - 12:15
Does using differing proxies for effective population size affect conclusions about pangenome evolution?
Gavin Douglas (University of New Brunswick, Canada)
12:15 - 13:00
Nanopore Long-Read Metagenomics Reveals Enhanced Microbial Diversity and Biosynthetic Potential in Marine Sponge Holobionts
Jenileima Devi (University of Sunderland, UK)
13:00 - 13:15
Open Discussion
13:15 - 13:30
Microbiome Forum (Part 1)
The Microbiome Forum encourages a broad remit of microbiome research with particular emphasis on early career submissions. It will consider offered papers on all aspects of human, animal and environmental microbiome science. This session will be held adjacent to the half-day Microbiome Symposium. Speakers will be selected exclusively from submitted abstracts.
Auditorium
Organisers
Lead: Nicky O'Boyle; John Kenny, John MacSharry, Florence Abram, Stephen Kelly, Merve Zeden, Damien Brady, Campbell Gourlay, Eoin O’Cinneide, Conor Feehily; Roop Dhillon (EC co-chair)
Modeling and experimental approaches allow us to parse drivers of community responses to environmental change
Kaitlin A Schaal (University of Liverpool, UK)
10:00 - 10:15
Small probiotic-mediated shifts in the gut microbiome are associated with reduced incidence and delayed onset of scours in dairy calves
Nilay Peker (Roslin Institute, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, UK)
10:15 - 10:30
Characterising Strain-Level Diversity of Wound versus Healthy Skin Staphylococcus Isolates Using a Human-Relevant Wound Model
Devyani Bhide (University of Hull, UK)
10:30 - 10:45
What shapes fish skin microbiomes? Insights from cultured and sequenced three-spined stickleback fish skin microbiome across Scottish lochs.
Francis Gyapong (University of Nottingham, UK)
10:45 - 10:50
Patterns in the Unknown
Lisa Crossman (University of East Anglia & SequenceAnalysis.co.uk, UK)
10:50 - 10:55
Multi-omic profiling of oral, gut, and systemic signatures in infective endocarditis
Joseph Luke Falconer (King's College London, UK)
10:55 - 11:00
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
11:00 - 12:15
Is there a diet associated with a healthy gut and vaginal microbiome during pregnancy? Insights from the MicrobeMom study
Aoife Davis (University College Dublin, Ireland)
12:15 - 12:30
The effect of dietary intervention in ewes on the lamb microbiome and methane emissions
Calum Bridson (University College Dublin, Ireland)
12:30 - 12:45
Fast and accurate strain level microbiome associations with StrainSpy
Gerry Tonkin-Hill (University of Melbourne & Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Australia)
12:45 - 13:00
Metagenomic Methodological Considerations and Benchmarking in a Scottish One Health Study
Sara Pita (Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK)
13:00 - 13:15
Revealing the microbial dynamics which facilitate successful ruminant methane mitigation via novel oxygen-releasing feed additives
Alison Graham (University of Galway, Ireland)
13:15 - 13:20
Isolation and identification of antibiotic resistant bacteria and genes from soil. The effect of animal manure use as a fertiliser on antimicrobial resistance in an Irish beef and sheep farm.
Brian Joyce (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
13:20 - 13:25
Unravelling the structure and diversity of the healthy human nasal microbiome
Duncan Ng (Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK)
13:25 - 13:30
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 2)
Meeting Room 2
Organisers
Ed Hutchinson, Oya Cingöz
Investigating the role of the non-structural protein NSs of Oropouche virus in modulating RNA polymerase function
Rebecca Panteli (University of Cambridge, UK)
10:00 - 10:12
Investigating the role of the proteasome during Hepatitis E virus infection
Owen Byford (University of Leeds, UK)
10:12 - 10:24
Entry of SARS-CoV-2 during cell-to-cell transmission, as opposed to cell-free infection, occurs independently of TMPRSS2 and evades humoral immunity
Saskia Stenzel (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK)
10:24 - 10:36
Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) utilises V-ATPase for genome replication
Ryan Bishop (University of Leeds, UK)
10:36 - 10:48
Viral RNA quarantined by the E3 ligase-helicase ZNFX1
Eilidh Rivers (MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, UK)
10:48 - 11:00
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
11:00 - 12:15
Characterisation of Functional RNA Elements in Astrovirus Genomes
Ksenia Fominykh (University of Cambridge, UK)
12:15 - 12:27
Enterovirus 2A interactions with host translation machinery influence species-tropism
James Kelly (The Pirbright Institute, UK)
12:27 - 12:39
Characterising the activity of the Marek’s Disease Virus Virion Host Shutoff Protein
Sophie Cutts (The Pirbright Institute & University of Surrey, UK)
12:39 - 12:51
Structural studies of the hemagglutinin-membrane interaction
Luke Perera (Francis Crick Institute, UK)
12:51 - 13:03
Systematic functional characterisation of each of 180 human cytomegalovirus proteins
Yuchen Lin (University of Cambridge, UK)
13:03 - 13:15
HSV-1 pUL56 Depletes Voltage-Gated Ion Channels and Abolishes Electrical Activity of Human Cortical Neurones
Stephen Graham (University of Cambridge, UK)
13:15 - 13:27
Virus Forum: Pathogenesis (Part 1)
Meeting Room 1
Organisers
Benjamin Brennan; Anna Smielewska
Investigating the multifaceted roles of 2B* during EMCV replication
Hazel Stewart (University of Cambridge, UK)
10:00 - 10:12
Identification of avian host factors underpinning Influenza A Virus (IAV) replication using a TRPPC screen
Hamna Jamil (The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK)
10:12 - 10:24
Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus Challenge in Calves, Modelling Parameters of Bovine and Human Infection
Sara Louise Cosby (Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute & Queen's University Belfast, UK)
10:24 - 10:36
Staphylococcus aureus
enhances influenza A virus replication through manipulation of cellular vacuole sorting
Mariya Goncheva (University of Victoria, Canada)
10:36 - 10:48
Exploring TMEM154 Function in Maedi Visna Virus Resistance for the Establishment of a Breeding Selection Programme
Susanna Ó Raghallaigh (Moredun Research Institute, UK)
10:48 - 11:00
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
11:00 - 12:15
Defining Leukocyte Metabolic Signatures that Predict HCMV Viraemia Development in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Rowan Casey (Cardiff University, UK)
12:15 - 12:27
JAK Independent Activation of STAT5 Promotes HCMV Reactivation in Primary Dendritic Cells
Aisha Fakhroo (University College London, UK)
12:27 - 12:39
Characterisation of an upstream, in-frame start codon in the species A rotavirus NSP3 segment
Hou Wei Chook (The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK)
12:39 - 12:51
Structural and Biophysical Characterization of Rotavirus A RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Interacting with Biomolecules
Francesca Goldfinch ((University of Cambridge, UK)
12:51 - 13:03
TYPING OF HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS SUBTYPES IN CERVICAL BIOPSIES: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY IN MODIBBO ADAMA
Zubaida Hassan (Modibbo Adama University, Nigeria)
13:03 - 13:15
Development of a two-colour fluorescence assay to quantify HPV16 E7 stability to identify novel Deubquitases
Louisa Wootton (University of Sussex, UK)
13:15 - 13:27
Virus Forum: Transmission, Epidemiology & Diagnostics (Part 1)
Meeting Room 3A
Organisers
Elly Gaunt, Andrew Broadbent
Genomic Characterisation of Full-Length and Deletion-Containing Influenza A Viruses in Environmental Samples
Aaron G. Canton Bastarrachea (Queen's University Belfast, UK)
10:00 - 10:12
Comparative Fitness and Reassortment Dynamics of Dominant European Clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAI Genotypes (AB and BB) in Ducks and Chickens
Elizabeth Billington (Animal and Plant Health Agency, UK)
10:12 - 10:24
Pigeons and co-housed poultry; clinical and environmental sampling shows Columbiformes have low susceptibility and transmission potential for H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b high pathogenicity avian influenza virus in poultry.
Caroline Warren (Animal and Plant Health Agency, UK)
10:24 - 10:36
Viral resilience in the face of change? The impact of lead pollution on virus infection in the lab and in the wild
Jiaying Gu (Queen's University Belfast, UK)
10:36 - 10:48
Targeted metagenomic sequencing of symptomatic respiratory infections from UK healthcare workers in the SIREN study, Winter 2023 - 2024
Marissa Knoll (Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK)
10:48 - 11:00
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
11:00 - 12:15
Genomic Characterisation of a New Maedi Visna Virus Strain in UK Sheep
Scott Jones (University of Nottingham, UK)
12:15 - 12:27
Optimising stool preservation methods to overcome cold chain constraints for the diagnosis of enteric RNA viral diseases
Roop Dhillon (University of Birmingham, UK)
12:27 - 12:39
How the Hypervariable Region of Hepatitis E Virus Impacts Host Range and Replication.
Charlotte Williams (University of Leeds, UK)
12:39 - 12:51
Detection of a coronavirus in British Red Foxes,
Vulpes vulpes
Charlotte Parker (University of Nottingham, UK)
12:51 - 13:03
Salivary antibodies mirror systemic humoral immunity to SARS CoV-2 and reveal sex-specific differences in salivary anti-spike IgA and IgG levels
John Mac Sharry (University College Cork, Ireland)
13:03 - 13:15
Get Involved drop-in: grants
Level 1 Foyer
11:00 - 12:15
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
11:00 - 12:15
Journals drop-in: Microbial Genomics and Microbiology Horizons
Exhibition Hall
11:30 - 12:00
Wednesday 15 April, Afternoon
Get Involved drop-in: Knocking Out AMR
Level 1 Foyer
13:30 - 14:30
Lunch & Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
13:30 - 14:30
Women Microbiologists Network: wellbeing and professional development in academia
Enas Newire (Middlesex University, UK), Hall 2A
13:45 - 14:15
Proimmune: Move beyond antibodies with Ankyrons®: next generation target binding reagents
Exhibition Hall
Organisers
Move beyond antibodies with Ankyrons®: next generation target binding reagents
Maya Cowans (ProImmune, Inc., USA)
13:45 - 14:15
Engineering (Micro)biology: Reprogramming microbes towards global solutions (Part 1)
From the fundamentals of molecular biology through the development of synthetic biology approaches and the design-build-test cycle, our ability to design or redesign living microorganisms or products from them for novel purposes, is rapidly increasing. This reprogramming offers the potential to address a multitude of challenges facing humanity, including sustainability, climate change, food security, biomaterials development, biosecurity and human health. In this Symposium, we will hear from world leaders in Engineering Biology developing tools to introduce non-canonical amino acids into proteins, designing completely new chromosomes and reprogramming metabolism. These tool are being used to advance drug discovery, our fundamental understanding of the building blocks of life, and our capacity to harness microorganisms for production of industrially relevant products.
Meeting Room 1
Organisers
Fabrizio Alberti, Chris Cooper, Alison Smith, Jack Bryant, David Mark, James Croxford (EC co-chair)
Chair(s): Fabrizio Alberti
Reprogramming the genetic code for next-gen recombinant biomolecules
Daniel de la Torre (Constructive Bio, UK)
14:30 - 15:00
Chair(s): James Croxford
Utilising Evolution and Genetic Engineering to Optimise Live Bacterial Therapeutics for Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Julia Leeflang (Adelaide University, Australia)
15:00 - 15:15
Chair(s): Fabrizio Alberti
Wee coli: minicells for incorporation into engineered living materials
David Mark (University of Glasgow, UK)
15:15 - 15:30
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
15:30 - 16:45
Chair(s): Jack Bryant
Microbial Metal Factories
Louise Horsfall (University of Edinburgh, UK)
16:45 - 17:15
To fim or to swim: Genetic Control of Type 1 Fimbriae Regulates the Adhesion–Motility junction in E. coli.
Emily Horsburgh (University of Glasgow, UK)
17:15 - 17:30
Chair(s): David Mark
Engineering synthetic gene circuits to tune membrane protein production
Alexandra Trigg (Aston University, UK)
17:30 - 17:45
High-throughput glycoengineering of bacterial glycoconjugate vaccines
Rebekah Jones (University of Nottingham, UK)
17:45 - 18:00
Environmental, Applied and Industrial Microbiology Forum (Part 2)
This forum includes offered papers on any area and any organism relevant to environmental, ecological, applied and industrial microbiology, including (non-human) host–microbe communities and interactions, marine and freshwater microbiology, soil and geomicrobiology, air-, cryo- and extremophile microbiology, climate change, biotechnology, bio-processing and bio-engineering, food microbiology, and other applied and industrial microbial processes, including microbe-mediated biodegradation and bioremediation.
Hall 2B
Organisers
An ecological framework characterising the disturbance potential of Bacillus spp toward soil microbial communities
Deepanshi Karwall (University of Manchester, UK)
14:30 - 14:45
Non-genetic spatiotemporal control of microbial growth using light
Thomas Thorpe (University of Edinburgh, UK)
14:45 - 15:00
Photodynamic inactivation as an effective intervention against Campylobacter
Aidan Taylor (University of Reading, UK)
15:00 - 15:15
Material-Dependent Variations in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Biofilm Matrix Composition and Structure
Daniel J. Whiley (Nottingham Trent University, UK)
15:15 - 15:30
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
15:30 - 16:45
Spatial and temporal variations in AMR profiles of hospital sewer biofilms
Rande Dzay (Bangor University, UK)
16:45 - 17:00
Temperature-Dependent Survival of Carbapenemase-Producing E. coli in Seawater
Niamh Cahill (University of Galway, Ireland)
17:00 - 17:15
Small and mighty —
Paracoccus denitrificans
as a factory for polyhydroxyalkanoates and water treatment solution.
Lukasz Ceglarski (University of Sheffield, UK)
17:15 - 17:30
Dynamics of SynBio and SynComs in drinking water biofilms
James T Croxford (University of Glasgow, UK)
17:30 - 17:45
Exploring Microbiome Function
The "Exploring Microbiome Function" symposium will focus on the role of microbiomes in ecosystem function for health and global sustainability. Areas of interest will include, but not be limited to, the unexplored microbiota, non-culturable and non-viable microbiota, and cryptic gene clusters. Microbiome is intended here to cover prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbiota, as well as viruses. Abstracts demonstrating novel functional insights into the role of the microbiome in health and ecosystem sustainability will be particularly welcome.
Meeting Room 3
Organisers
John Kenny, Nicky O'Boyle, John MacSharry, Florence Abram, Stephen Kelly, Merve Zeden, Damien Brady, Campbell Gourlay, Eoin O’Cinneide, Conor Feehily, Megan Smith-Cerdán (EC Co-Chair)
Systems ecology of the human expobiome: from molecules to mechanisms (Recorded)
Paul Wilmes (University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg)
14:30 - 15:00
Understanding Microbe-Microbe Interactions in Cystic Fibrosis.
Michelle Hardman (University of Manchester, UK)
15:00 - 15:15
Understanding the role of the microbiome in chickens
Laura Glendinning (Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK)
15:15 - 15:30
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
15:30 - 16:45
Chair(s): Chris Creevey (Queen's University Belfast, UK)
Beyond Abundance: Adaptive Diversity Reveals Environment-Specific Functional Optimisation in Rumen Microbiomes
Chris Creevey (Queen's University Belfast, UK)
16:45 - 17:15
Microbial Bile Salt Hydrolases: Multifunctional Enzymes Shaping Host and Microbial Physiology
Susan Joyce (University College Cork, Ireland)
17:15 - 17:30
The Microbiome of the Hive as an Indicator and Predictor of Honeybee Health
Kerry Barnard (University of Surrey, UK)
17:30 - 17:45
Oh poop! Pawsitive selection in the resistome and microbiome of the canine gut in the first year of life
Ana Martinez-Lopez (The Roslin Institute & Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, UK)
17:45 - 17:50
Models to determine functions of the oral microbiome for personal care products safety assessments
Silvia Klamert (Unilever SERS, Sharnbrook, UK)
17:50 - 17:55
Age-Related Skin Microbiome Dynamics: From Community Profiling to Strain-Level Analysis
Nina Rocha (Wound Innovation Centre, University of Hull, UK)
17:55 - 18:00
Infection Forum (Part 2)
Offered papers (and associated posters) will be presented in areas related to clinical, veterinary and plant infections caused by microbial pathogens. This will include detection and diagnosis, identification, typing and epidemiology, pathogenesis, virulence, host response and immunity, treatment and prevention, antimicrobial agents and resistance, transmission and models of infection. Eligible abstracts can be entered into the Infection Science Award competition, with the awardees invited to the Federation of Infection Societies annual meeting.
Studio
Organisers
Leads: Joey Shepherd; Fadil Bidmos; Reviewers: Ashley Otter; Mathew Diggle; Donal Wall; Ahmed Lafi; Natalie Lamont (EC co-chair)
Identifying disease-associated microbial-pathogen interactions
Melissa Lawson (University of Manchester, UK)
14:30 - 14:45
Extracellular ATP is an environmental cue in bacteria
Andrea Puhar (Queen's University Belfast, UK & Umea University, Sweden)
14:45 - 15:00
Microbial interactions can shape the fitness costs associated with antibiotic resistance mutations in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Jack Knowles (Queen’s University Belfast, UK)
15:00 - 15:15
Adaptation to Hypoxia is a Driving Factor in Chronic
Burkholderia cenocepacia
Infection
Ciarán Carey (University College Dublin, Ireland)
15:15 - 15:30
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
15:30 - 16:45
Raman Spectral Profiling of Chronic Wound–Associated Biofilms using Machine Learning Classification
Zainab Bilal (University of Strathclyde & University of Glasgow, UK)
16:45 - 17:00
Molecular and structural dissection of a novel milk-associated biofilm produced by
Staphylococcus aureus
Christine S. Grant (Roslin Institue, UK)
17:00 - 17:15
Human DNases susceptibility to herpes simplex virus 1 infection
Mila Collados Rodríguez (Universidad Miguel Hernández, Spain)
17:15 - 17:30
Cryo-EM reveals multiple mechanisms of ribosome inhibition by doxycycline
Nicholas Harmer (University of Exeter, UK)
17:30 - 17:45
Microbial pangenomics: reaching new frontiers of an open and evolving discipline (Part 2)
The advent of high-throughput genome sequencing has revealed that genetic differences among individuals in various species are not solely due to small polymorphisms. Instead, these differences also arise from variations in the presence and absence of genes and non-coding regions. This discovery has given rise to the concept of pangenomes, which encompass the entire set of genes within a species, including core genes that are present in all individuals and accessory genes that vary among individuals. In this session, we will delve into the latest research on the structure and evolution of microbial pangenomes, as well as the challenges involved in their analysis.
Hall 2A
Organisers
Bruno Francesco Rodrigues de Oliveira, Samuel Sheppard, Maria Rosa Domingo-Sananes, Kasia Parfitt, Eva Heinz, Guerrino Macori, Eoin Ó Cinnéide, Elizabeth Cummins, Alan McNally
A pangenome of the sexually transmitted parasite
Trichomonas vaginalis
Jordan Orosco (Johns Hopkins University, USA)
14:30 - 15:00
Expanding vaginal microbiome pangenomes via a custom MIDAS database reveals
Lactobacillus crispatus
accessory genes associated with cervical dysplasia
Claire Dubin (University of California San Francisco, USA)
15:00 - 15:15
Twenty years of pangenome evolution of Campylobacter spp in the UK
Julian Parkhill (University of Cambridge, UK)
15:15 - 15:30
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
15:30 - 16:45
Host-pathogen pangenome insights into the genetics of melioidosis infection
Claire Chewapreecha (Mahidol University, Thailand)
16:45 - 17:15
A comparative genomic interrogation of Burkholderia cenocepacia as a cystic fibrosis lung pathogen and rarely encountered environmental bacterium.
Eshwar Mahenthiralingam (Cardiff University, UK)
17:15 - 17:30
Pangenomic insights into the metabolic, physiological and biosynthetic potential of a Candidatus extremophilic bacterial phylum
Michael Macey (The Open University, UK)
17:30 - 17:45
Finding function in the panstructurome, pantranscriptome and panselectome of
E. coli
Zachary Ardern (Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK)
17:45 - 18:00
Transformative tools for biological complexity (Part 1)
In this session we will explore a diverse range of novel techniques as well as innovative applications of existing methods that improve our understanding of biological complexity relating to all aspects of microbiology. Methodological approaches can include spatial biology, microscopy, microfluidics and any ‘omics, or other transformative tools, with those with widest accessibility especially welcomed.
Meeting Room 2
Organisers
Ethan Morgan, Gemma Langridge, Guerrino Macori
Unraveling bacterial complexity at the single-cell level through cryo-electron microscopy and microfluidics
Nida Ali (University of Cambridge, UK)
14:30 - 14:45
Nanocapillary subcellular sampling: Uncovering the stress granule proteome
Claire Davison (King's College London, UK)
14:45 - 15:00
Viruses under the Mathematical Microscope: unravelling the complexity of viral infections through the lens of viral geometry
Reidun Twarock (University of York, UK)
15:00 - 15:30
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
15:30 - 16:45
A Life Identification Number Barcoding (LIN Code) System for
Neisseria meningitidis
: high resolution multi-level typing of meningococci
Kasia Parfitt (University of Oxford, UK)
16:45 - 17:00
Microsecond time-resolved and conventional cryoEM reveal early intermediates to acid-induced capsid dissociation of foot-and-mouth disease virus
Giann Kerwin Dellosa (University of Oxford & Pirbright Institute, UK)
17:00 - 17:15
From images to insight: quantitative imaging technologies tools for microbiology
Gail McConnell (University of Strathclyde, UK)
17:15 - 17:55
Virus Symposium: A Virus For All Seasons (Part 1)
Viruses are ever-present, but many viruses such as Influenza, RSV, and COVID, fluctuate with the changing seasons, often surging each winter. In some cases, this leads to ‘quademics,’ where multiple viruses co-circulate at high prevalence, as seen during the 2025/26 winter season, leading to significant strains on health infrastructure and public health resources. This session will explore both the fundamental biology of these viruses, but also the complex interplay between climate (temperature, humidity), host factors (age, immune waning, boosting, vaccination), and epidemiology (travel, indoor crowding) that drives the seasonality of these viruses.
Auditorium
Organisers
Ashley Otter; Edward Emmott
Parainfluenza and Human Metapneumovirus - Hidden burden and unmet need for therapy and vaccines
Catherine Moore (Public Health Wales, UK)
14:30 - 15:10
The antigenic distance of IBDV genogroups poorly correlates with the number of amino-acid substitutions in the hypervariable region (HVR) of the VP2 capsid, but better correlates with its predicted structure.
Andrew Broadbent (University of Maryland, USA)
15:10 - 15:30
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
15:30 - 16:45
Determinants of transmission dynamics and evolution patterns of H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza in Anseriformes in China
Ying Zeng (Roslin Institute, UK)
16:45 - 17:05
Adenovirus-vectored vaccines against African swine fever virus genotype I and a genotype I/II hybrid
Christopher Netherton (The Pirbright Institute, UK)
17:05 - 17:25
Seasonal respiratory virus surveillance - highlights from the Respiratory Virus Unit
Anika Singanayagam (UK Health Security Agency, UK)
17:25 - 18:00
Get Involved drop-in: Prizes Panel/nominations
Level 1 Foyer
15:30 - 16:45
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
15:30 - 16:45
Journals drop-in: Journal of General Virology and International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology
Exhibition Hall
16:00 - 16:30
Marjory Stephenson Prize Lecture: How c-di-GMP controls progression through the Streptomyces life cycle
Professor Mark Buttner (The John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park), Auditorium
18:15 - 19:00
Thursday 16 April, Morning
Badge Collection
Riverside Foyer
08:00 - 09:00
Hot Topic: What AI can and can’t do for antibiotic discovery
Professor Jonathan Stokes (McMaster University, Canada), Auditorium
09:00 - 09:30
AI-enabled Microbiology
Microbiology generates vast amounts of data, yet drawing meaningful insights from this information remains a significant challenge. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can be leveraged to enhance data analysis and address complex scientific questions pertaining to microorganisms and their environments. ML is commonly integrated into omics workflows and has also been deployed, for example, to discover novel antimicrobial compounds, for protein and RNA structure resolution, to predict zoonosis, or to guide high throughput culturomics. This session will highlight some current AI and ML applications from across the field of microbiology and explore how these technologies have the potential to expand our understanding of microbial systems.
Hall 2A
Organisers
Florence Abram, Maria Domingo Sananes, David Cleary, Jordan Price, Kalai Mathee; Tania Dottorini; Sam Sheppard, Muhammed Salih Keskin (EC Co-Chair)
Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Automation to Scale Human Gut Microbiome Culturomics
Yiwei Sun (Columbia University, USA)
09:45 - 10:15
A Machine Learning Tool Integrating Structural and Evolutionary Context into Protein Language Model Predictions of Norovirus Mutation
Sebastian Bowyer (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK)
10:15 - 10:30
aiSourcePro: A Scalable Framework for Machine Learning–Based Source Attribution in Bacterial Genomics
Broncio Aguilar-Sanjuan (University of Oxford, UK)
10:30 - 10:45
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
10:45 - 11:45
Microbiolomics Meets AI: Integrating Artificial Intelligence with Multi-Omics for Precision Microbiology
Kalai Mathee (Euleris & LifetimeOmics, USA)
11:45 - 12:15
Scalable Screening of AI Designed Binders that Prevent Virus Entry
Sarah Little (University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, UK)
12:15 - 12:30
Integrating Evolutionary Biology and Deep Learning to Decipher Druggable Immune Signalling Systems During Infection
James McCabe (Queen's University Belfast, UK)
12:30 - 12:45
Careers Session
The Careers Session presents an exciting chance for delegates to discover and explore career paths outside those that have been traditionally available to microbiologists. Delegates in attendance will have the opportunity to interact with speakers from industry, clinical, academic and government settings who will share their varying career experiences and trajectories as well as nuggets of wisdom such as their achievements and regrets. At the end of each talk, there will be a brief Q&A session, allowing delegates to ask key questions pertaining to their career stages and fields. A speed networking round will follow the session allowing delegates in attendance to further interface with speakers. Early career researchers wanting to explore their next career options, and mid-career microbiologists considering a career change are invited to attend.
Meeting Room 3
Organisers
Chair(s): Rebecca McHugh
Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before Leaving Academia
Magdalena Karlikowska (Cytecom Ltd., UK)
09:45 - 10:05
An Account Manager's Tale: From Bench side to Business
Paul Norton (BMKGene, UK)
10:05 - 10:25
Jack of all trades, master of none - Taking risks on a new field
Paula Corsini (University of Arts London, UK)
10:25 - 10:45
Refreshments & Exhibition (Hall 1)
10:45 - 11:45
Chair(s): Aoife Mulry
SciComm from UK to Europe: Building qualitative value in a quantitative world
Joseph Shuttleworth (FEMS, Netherlands)
11:45 - 12:05
From a micro BMS to the macro world of academia
Natalie Lamont (University of Sunderland, UK)
12:05 - 12:25
Pivoting from Pipettes: A Scientist’s Move into Sequencing Sales and Business Development
Robyn Braes (Novogene, UK)
12:25 - 12:45
Q&A Session
12:45 - 13:00
Engineering (Micro)biology: Reprogramming microbes towards global solutions (Part 2)
From the fundamentals of molecular biology through the development of synthetic biology approaches and the design-build-test cycle, our ability to design or redesign living microorganisms or products from them for novel purposes, is rapidly increasing. This reprogramming offers the potential to address a multitude of challenges facing humanity, including sustainability, climate change, food security, biomaterials development, biosecurity and human health. In this Symposium, we will hear from world leaders in Engineering Biology developing tools to introduce non-canonical amino acids into proteins, designing completely new chromosomes and reprogramming metabolism. These tool are being used to advance drug discovery, our fundamental understanding of the building blocks of life, and our capacity to harness microorganisms for production of industrially relevant products.
Meeting Room 1
Organisers
Fabrizio Alberti, Chris Cooper, Alison Smith, Jack Bryant, David Mark, James Croxford (EC co-chair)
Chair(s): Alison Smith
Engineered bacterial Community (EngComs) to promote plant growth
Sarah Guiziou (Earlham Institute, UK)
09:45 - 10:15
Adaption to climate change in the rhizosphere across the millennia
Josephine Giard (Heriot-Watt University, UK)
10:15 - 10:30
Synthetic Biofilm Engineering as a Catalyst Towards Enhanced Bioremediation
Ronan McCarthy (University of Southampton, UK)
10:30 - 10:45
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
10:45 - 11:45
Chair(s): Chris Cooper
LACE: Microbial synthetic chromosomes made easy
Benjamin Blount (University of Nottingham, UK)
11:45 - 12:15
Modelling the Effect of Inner-Membrane Protein Production On Sec-Mediated Translocation in E. coli
Adam Wood (Aston University, UK)
12:15 - 12:30
Engineering a modular chassis for antigen evaluation and rapid functional antibody generation against bacterial pathogens
Julia Sanchez-Garrido (Imperial College London, UK)
12:30 - 12:45
Open-ended discussion session
12:45 - 13:00
Pathogens without borders: Multi-host veterinary infections
Bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotic microbes such as protozoa, helminths and fungi exhibit a spectrum of adaptations that enable them to colonise or infect a variety of host species. Such adaptations can give rise to either host-restricted pathogen strains that are specialized for particular organisms, or strains with a multi-host lifestyle, capable of thriving in varied niches. Moreover, one pathogen may infect multiple host species, but lead to differing clinical outcomes. Understanding the determinants that govern host specificity, and disease outcome is critical to One-health approaches aimed at mitigating potential zoonoses, and improving animal health, welfare, and productivity.
This session will aim to bring together an interdisciplinary community of bacteriologists, virologists, parasitologists, and mycologists working at the intersection of veterinary microbiology. We welcome abstracts on any aspect of veterinary microbiology, including transmission, co-infections, and pathogenicity, with a particular emphasis on the determinants of host-specificity and/or generalism in animal reservoirs, and on understanding factors influencing varying disease outcomes across species infected by the same pathogen.
Hall 2B
Organisers
Prerna Vohra, Jai Mehat, Helena Maier, Andrew James Broadbent, Fiona Henriquez, Nicolas Pionnier, Daire Cantillon
A tale of two parasites: multi-host transmission of the roundworms
Toxocara
and
Ascaris
Martha Betson (University of Surrey, UK)
09:45 - 10:10
Host-dependent fitness effects of a ColV plasmid in avian pathogenic and commensal
Escherichia coli
within a complex gut microbiome
Charlotte Birdsall (University of Surrey, UK)
10:10 - 10:25
The mammalian-adaptive PB2-627K mutation in clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAI virus maintains fitness in avian hosts
Simon Johnson (APHA, UK)
10:25 - 10:40
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
10:45 - 11:45
Can undiscovered restriction factors protect humans from zoonotic livestock disease? Species-specific interferon stimulated genes correlate with mammalian resistance to foot-and-mouth disease
Toby Tuthill (The Pirbright Institute, UK)
11:45 - 12:10
Investigating the responses of non-typhoidal
Salmonella serovars
to bile
Prerna Vohra (University of Edinburgh, UK)
12:10 - 12:25
Porcine genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen identifies host dependency factors for Influenza A virus
Vayalena Drampa (The Roslin Institute, UK)
12:25 - 12:40
Jumping Hosts, Shaping Genomes: Cross-Species Evolution of
Staphylococcus aureus
Ross Fitzgerald (Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK)
12:40 - 13:00
Plant-Pathogen Interactions
This session will explore the diverse world of plant pathogens, focussing on eukaryotic, prokaryotic, and viral species that are leading causes of plant disease worldwide. With an emphasis on the pathogens rather than their plant hosts, the session will highlight the latest research on the molecular mechanisms underlying plant-pathogen interactions. Topics will include pathogen infection structures, effector biology, manipulation of host cellular processes, and evolution of virulence mechanisms. By bringing together established and early career researchers, this session aims to foster discussions on recent discoveries and emerging technologies, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration to better understand and combat plant diseases.
Studio
Organisers
Jordan Price, Arnab Majumdar (EC co-chair)
Zymoseptoria tritici
: microbial interactions and AMR in a fungal wheat pathogen that survives - and thrives - on the leaf surface
Helen Fones (University of Exeter, UK)
09:45 - 10:25
Biogenic silver nanoparticles derived from
Streptomyces sp.
augment tomato immunity against Fusarium crown and root rot, promoting sustainable agriculture in the United Arab Emirates
Khaled El-Tarabily (United Arab Emirates University, UAE)
10:25 - 10:45
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
10:45 - 11:45
Plant-viral symbioses: Can a virus become a mutualist?
John Carr (University of Cambridge, UK)
11:45 - 12:25
Developing a commercial bacteriocin-based treatment against blackleg disease and soft rot in potato.
Katherine Baxter (University of Glasgow, UK)
12:25 - 12:45
FLASH TALK: High-Resolution Mapping of Bacterial Colonisation of Arabidopsis Roots with Fourier Ptychographic Microscopy.
Laura Copeland (University of Strathclyde & National Physical Laboratory, UK)
12:45 - 12:50
Open discussion and close
12:50 - 13:00
Transformative tools for biological complexity (Part 2)
In this session we will explore a diverse range of novel techniques as well as innovative applications of existing methods that improve our understanding of biological complexity relating to all aspects of microbiology. Methodological approaches can include spatial biology, microscopy, microfluidics and any ‘omics, or other transformative tools, with those with widest accessibility especially welcomed.
Meeting Room 2
Organisers
Ethan Morgan, Gemma Langridge, Guerrino Macori
CoEVFold suite: user-friendly pipelines to visually represent protein coevolution in bacteria
Chris Graham (University of Warwick, UK)
09:45 - 10:00
Spatially-resolved host-pathogen interactions across the lung
Josie Bryant (Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK)
10:00 - 10:40
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
10:45 - 11:45
A New Model for Predicting the Infection Dynamics of Herpes Simplex Virus in Cell and Tissue Environments
Monica Hill (University of Surrey, UK)
11:45 - 12:00
Revealing Biofilm Architecture with Cross-scale and Multi-modal Imaging Techniques
Connor MacDonald (University of Strathclyde, UK)
12:00 - 12:15
Absolute spatial detection and quantitation of early virus infection in 3D tissues and human samples
Ilan Davis (University of Glasgow, UK)
12:15 - 12:55
Virus Symposium: A Virus For All Seasons (Part 2)
Viruses are ever-present, but many viruses such as Influenza, RSV, and COVID, fluctuate with the changing seasons, often surging each winter. In some cases, this leads to ‘quademics,’ where multiple viruses co-circulate at high prevalence, as seen during the 2025/26 winter season, leading to significant strains on health infrastructure and public health resources. This session will explore both the fundamental biology of these viruses, but also the complex interplay between climate (temperature, humidity), host factors (age, immune waning, boosting, vaccination), and epidemiology (travel, indoor crowding) that drives the seasonality of these viruses.
Auditorium
Organisers
Ashley Otter; Edward Emmott
Investigating the viral-host membrane fusion events of Nipah Virus
Joe Thrush (Rosalind Franklin Institute & King's College London, UK)
09:45 - 10:05
Mosquito Scotland: Assessing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases in Scotland and their response to environmental change
Emilie Pondeville (MRC- University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, UK)
10:05 - 10:45
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
10:45 - 11:45
CpG-enriched influenza A virus polymerase segments; the optimal vaccine targets when utilising segment-specific, ZAP-dependent attenuatio
Maia Beeson (Roslin Institute, UK)
11:45 - 12:05
Replication of H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b Viruses in Bovine Cells Is Shaped by Internal Gene Constellation and Varies Throughout Evolution
Nicole Upfold (MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, UK)
12:05 - 12:25
Dissecting respiratory virus ecology and immunity in a community cohort in West Africa
Thushan de Silva (University of Sheffield, UK)
12:25 - 13:00
Get Involved drop-in: Early Career Forum
Level 1 Foyer
10:45 - 11:45
Refreshments & Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
10:45 - 11:45
Lecture View
Monday 13 April
Badge Collection Opens
Riverside Foyer
Badge Collection Opens
12:00 - 13:00
First time at Conference
Ffion Lane (Microbiology Society, UK), Hall 2A
First time at Conference
12:45 - 13:00
Refreshments & Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
Refreshments & Exhibition
13:00 - 15:00
Introduction
Bruno Silvester Lopes (Teeside Univeristy, UK)
Celebrating and promoting actions advancing equality, diversity and inclusion
13:00 - 13:05
The Medical Research Foundation: Upcoming funding call information session
Rebecca Milton (The Medical Research Foundation, UK)
The Medical Research Foundation: Upcoming funding call information session
13:00 - 13:45
ND in Micro - A network for Neurodivergent Microbiologists
Becky Thomas (University of Surrey, UK) and Kathryn Burdon (University of Southampton, UK)
Celebrating and promoting actions advancing equality, diversity and inclusion
13:05 - 13:20
Discussion: celebrating and promoting actions advancing equality, diversity and inclusion
Arindam Mitra (RV University, India), Bruno Silvester Lopes (Teeside Univeristy, UK), Catherine Lawler (University of Birmingham Dubai, UAE), Guerrino Macori (University College Dublin, Ireland)
Celebrating and promoting actions advancing equality, diversity and inclusion
13:20 - 13:45
President's Address
Professor Gordon Dougan (Microbiology Society President), Auditorium
President's Address
14:00 - 14:05
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Prize Lecture: From visibility to belonging: Pride in Microbiology’s blueprint for inclusive science
Landon Getz, Edel Perez-Lopez, Bruno Francesco Rodrigues de Oliveira, Nicholas de Mojana di Cologna, and Katie Barnes (Pride in Microbiology), Auditorium
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Prize Lecture: From visibility to belonging: Pride in Microbiology’s blueprint for inclusive science
14:05 - 14:45
Induction of Fungal Secondary Metabolite Production by Mycobacterium smegmatis and Elucidation of Its Mechanistic Basis
Arai Masayoshi (University of Osaka, Japan)
Actinomycetes: Industrial uses; cryptic pathways and novel antibiotic discovery
15:00 - 15:30
Introduction to the Education and Outreach Network and the Symposium
Gemma Wattret (University of Liverpool, UK)
Education and Outreach Symposium (Part 1)
15:00 - 15:15
Tuning gene expression for parasite resilience and persistence
Sebastian Lourido (Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, MIT, USA)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 1)
15:00 - 15:45
Building an independent research group in bacterial cell envelope biology
Georgia Isom (University of Oxford, UK)
New Investigators Professional Development Panel
15:00 - 15:15
From Viral Dark Matter to the Molecular Mechanisms of Phage Therapy
Alexander Harms (ETH Zurich, Switzerland)
Phage biology with a view to application
15:00 - 15:30
Virus hijacking of a nuclear condensate formed around an ArcRNA
Adrian Whitehouse (University of Leeds, UK)
Virus Symposium: Viral manipulation of the intracellular RNA world (Part 1)
15:00 - 15:35
Enabling Successful Outcomes and Eradicating Structural and Institutional Barriers for Bioscience Students
Emmanuel Adukwu (University of the West of England, UK)
Education and Outreach Symposium (Part 1)
15:15 - 15:45
Starting a new research group on the other side of the world
Jeremy Keown (University of Warwick, UK)
New Investigators Professional Development Panel
15:15 - 15:30
Activating Cryptic Biosynthetic Gene Clusters in Streptomyces species
Katie Noble (John Innes Centre, UK)
Actinomycetes: Industrial uses; cryptic pathways and novel antibiotic discovery
15:30 - 15:45
Planet, pathogens and a few penguins!
Jane Usher (University of Exeter, UK)
New Investigators Professional Development Panel
15:30 - 15:45
Unravelling Phage-Bacteria Interactions: Quantifying and Predicting through Growth Kinetics and Machine Learning
Ignacio Salinas Valdivieso (University of Edinburgh, UK)
Phage biology with a view to application
15:30 - 15:45
Crosstalk between the protein kinase R and interferon host response pathways in herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection
Lauren Kerfoot (University of Surrey, UK)
Virus Symposium: Viral manipulation of the intracellular RNA world (Part 1)
15:35 - 15:55
Lost in Translation; reassessing bldA control of antibiotic biosynthesis in Streptomyces
John Munnoch (University of Strathclyde, UK)
Actinomycetes: Industrial uses; cryptic pathways and novel antibiotic discovery
15:45 - 16:00
Teaching Under the Lens: Insights into Science Lecturers’ Experiences of Teaching Students with Dyslexia
Laura Cleary-Keogh (Technological University Dublin, Ireland)
Education and Outreach Symposium (Part 1)
15:45 - 16:00
Comparative transcriptomics of Trichomonas tenax from distinct hosts reveal bacterial interaction signatures in xenic versus axenic culture conditions
Israa Asker (Biosciences Institute- Newcastle University, UK & National Liver Institute- Menoufia University, Egypt)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 1)
15:45 - 16:00
Multi-scale approaches to understand multi-faceted biofilm challenges
Liam Rooney (University of Glasgow, UK)
New Investigators Professional Development Panel
15:45 - 16:00
Visualizing and tracking the infection of f1 filamentous bacteriophage at single-cell levels
Vuong V. H. Le (University of Exeter, UK)
Phage biology with a view to application
15:45 - 16:00
Impact of post-transcriptional epitranscriptomics modifications on the pathobiology of influenza virus
Vidya Manju (Lancaster University, UK)
Virus Symposium: Viral manipulation of the intracellular RNA world (Part 1)
15:55 - 16:15
Optimising the production of the anti-virulence compound aurodox from Streptomyces spp.
Ainsley Beaton (University of Glasgow, UK)
Actinomycetes: Industrial uses; cryptic pathways and novel antibiotic discovery
16:00 - 16:15
Impact of International Women’s Day Event on 14-15-year-old participants
Mel Lacey (Sheffield Hallam University, UK)
Education and Outreach Symposium (Part 1)
16:00 - 16:15
Mechanism of ammonium transport is critical in yeast filamentation
Peter Henderson (University of Strathclyde, UK)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 1)
16:00 - 16:15
From Structure to Therapy: Engineering
Clostridioides difficile
Phages to Overcome Barriers in Phage Therapy
Anirudh Jakhmola (University of Sheffield, UK)
Phage biology with a view to application
16:00 - 16:05
Phages and phage-derived proteins for Proteus
mirabilis
biocontrol
Phage biology with a view to application
16:05 - 16:10
Hi-C resolved rumen viromics improves host assignment and ecological insights
Giulia Amore Bonapasta (Teagasc & University College Cork, Ireland)
Phage biology with a view to application
16:10 - 16:15
Get Involved drop-in: Society membership
Level 1 Foyer
Get Involved drop-in: Society membership
16:15 - 17:15
Refreshments & Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
Refreshments & Exhibition
16:15 - 17:15
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Actinomycetes: Industrial uses; cryptic pathways and novel antibiotic discovery
16:15 - 17:15
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Education and Outreach Symposium (Part 1)
16:15 - 17:15
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 1)
16:15 - 17:15
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
New Investigators Professional Development Panel
16:15 - 17:15
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Phage biology with a view to application
16:15 - 17:15
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Virus Symposium: Viral manipulation of the intracellular RNA world (Part 1)
16:15 - 17:15
Get Involved: governance opportunities
Charlotte Holtum (Microbiology Society, UK), Hall 2A
Get Involved: governance opportunities
16:30 - 17:00
Identification and characterisation of the cryptic LL-A0341 pathway in Streptomyces formicae
Rebecca Devine (John Innes Centre, UK)
Actinomycetes: Industrial uses; cryptic pathways and novel antibiotic discovery
17:15 - 17:45
Sticking with Science: Creative Approaches to Engaging Children with Bacterial Sequencing and Antimicrobial Resistance
Keira Cozens (Bath, UK)
Education and Outreach Symposium (Part 1)
17:15 - 17:30
Genus-Wide Phenogenomics of Trichoderma Reveals Ecological Plasticity and Biosecurity Implications
Irina S Druzhinina (Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, UK)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 1)
17:15 - 17:45
Panel Discussion
Georgia Isom (University of Oxford, UK), Jeremy Keown (University of Warwick, UK), Jane Usher (University of Exeter, UK), Liam Rooney (University of Glasgow, UK)
New Investigators Professional Development Panel
17:15 - 18:00
From Isolation to Inhalation: Developing and Enabling Access to Phage Treatments for Chronic Lung Infection
Jo Fothergill (University of Liverpool, UK)
Phage biology with a view to application
17:15 - 17:45
Decoding the structure, function and distribution of viral nuclease-resistant RNA structures
Anna-Lena Steckelberg (Columbia University, USA)
Virus Symposium: Viral manipulation of the intracellular RNA world (Part 1)
17:15 - 17:50
Using Virtual Escape Rooms to Teach Biomedical Microbiology
Morgan Feeney (University of Strathclyde, UK)
Education and Outreach Symposium (Part 1)
17:30 - 17:45
Adaptive radiation during long-term experimental evolution of the multicellular bacterium, Streptomyces
Silja Vahtokari (University of Strathclyde, UK)
Actinomycetes: Industrial uses; cryptic pathways and novel antibiotic discovery
17:45 - 18:00
Interactive Showcase: 1) Antimicrobial Resistance – The Graphic Novel: establishing an interdisciplinary project team 2) Bug-buster: an outreach activity to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance. 3) From Data to Doodles: Communicating Science Through Sketchnotes 4) Immersive virtual reality in second-level and higher education: a partnered narrative on the challenges and opportunities for STEM engagement"
Nicola Crewe (University of Lincoln, UK); Elena Jordana-Lluch (Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands & CIBRINFEC, Spain); Katie Silver (De Montfort University, UK); Jerry Reen (University College Cork, Ireland)
Education and Outreach Symposium (Part 1)
17:45 - 18:15
Adaptation to free-living drives loss of beneficial endosymbiosis through a metabolic trade-off
Erika Hansson (University of Manchester, UK)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 1)
17:45 - 18:00
Isolation and application of novel bacteriophages against the cattle pathogen
Moraxella bovis
Benjamin Swift (Carus Animal Health, Stevenage, United Kingdom)
Phage biology with a view to application
17:45 - 18:00
Investigating RNA-RNA interactions underpinning rotavirus selective genomic packaging
Aidan Tollervey (University of Oxford & University of Cambridge, UK)
Virus Symposium: Viral manipulation of the intracellular RNA world (Part 1)
17:50 - 18:10
Investigating hot spring actinomycetes from The Roman Baths, Bath, UK
Josephine Prole (University of Plymouth, UK)
Actinomycetes: Industrial uses; cryptic pathways and novel antibiotic discovery
18:00 - 18:15
Elucidating the unknown diversity and functional roles of eukaryotic microorganisms in subseafloor ecosystems.
Maxime Allioux (JAMSTEC, Yokosuka, Japan)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 1)
18:00 - 18:05
Genotype to Phenotype: High-Throughput Characterisation of Defence Phenotypes in
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Meg Llewellyn (University of Exeter, UK)
Phage biology with a view to application
18:00 - 18:15
Testing reference-free tools for phylogenetic clustering in malaria parasites
Charlotte Campbell (Nottingham Trent University, UK)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 1)
18:05 - 18:10
Prize Medal Prize Lecture: Bacterial cell-cell communication: mechanisms and exploitation
Professor Paul Williams (University of Nottingham, Professor of Molecular Microbiology, at the Biodiscovery Institute and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK), Auditorium
Prize Medal Prize Lecture: Bacterial cell-cell communication: mechanisms and exploitation
18:30 - 19:15
Welcome Reception
Exhibition Hall
Welcome Reception
19:15 - 20:00
Tuesday 14 April
Badge Collection
Riverside Foyer
Badge Collection
07:30 - 09:00
Translational Microbiology Prize Lecture: From pathogen to medicine: how to train your (oncolytic) virus
Professor Alan Parker (University of Cardiff School of Medicine), Auditorium
Translational Microbiology Prize Lecture: From pathogen to medicine: how to train your (oncolytic) virus
09:00 - 09:45
What's the point of assessment? Maximising the value of the most powerful tool for student development
Dominic Henri (University of Hull, UK)
Education and Outreach Symposium (Part 2)
10:00 - 10:30
Two decades of Trichophyton species isolates in Beaumont Hospital. Time to Tri to evaluate the North Dublin fungal dermatophyte landscape
Saoirse Ni Bhaoill (Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 2)
10:00 - 10:05
Conjugation structures plasmid populations through host-lineage restriction
William Matlock (University of Oxford, UK)
Genetics and Genomics Forum (Part 1)
10:00 - 10:15
Defining the multifactorial nature of commitment to sporulation in Bacillus subtilis
Betty Fekade (University of Warwick, UK)
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 1)
10:00 - 10:15
Addressing key risk factors for effective control of TB in Ghana and West Africa
Dorothy Yeboah-Manu (Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Ghana)
Mycobacteria: Challenges and progress
10:00 - 10:20
Next-generation animal health vaccines: an overview of vaccinology at The Pirbright Institute
Simon Graham (Pirbright Institute, UK)
Vaccine platforms to treat infectious diseases
10:00 - 10:30
Viral manipulation of RNA polymerase III
Daniel Depledge (Hannover Medical School, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) & Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Germany)
Virus Symposium: Viral manipulation of the intracellular RNA world (Part 2)
10:00 - 10:40
A Discovery-to-Production Platform for Fungal Natural products
Pablo Cruz-Morales (Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Denmark)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 2)
10:05 - 10:45
Mapping Gene Function in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Through High-Throughput Chemical Genomics
Huda Ahmad (University of Birmingham, UK)
Genetics and Genomics Forum (Part 1)
10:15 - 10:30
Nanosized Multitools: Bacterial Vesicles Capture Micronutrients and Smuggle Proteins into the Host
Rokas Juodeikis (Quadram Institute, UK)
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 1)
10:15 - 10:30
Discovery of potentiators that boost the activity of pyrazinamide against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Joanna Bacon (UK Health Security Agency, UK)
Mycobacteria: Challenges and progress
10:20 - 10:35
The Development of a Microbiome Based Springer Project to Develop Readiness for Capstone Projects
Sara Henderson (University of Bradford, UK)
Education and Outreach Symposium (Part 2)
10:30 - 10:35
Looking back over two decades of cholera in Northern India
Nisha Singh (Welcome Sanger Institute, UK)
Genetics and Genomics Forum (Part 1)
10:30 - 10:45
Tinker, Tailor, Probiotic Regulator of SPI: Uncovering hilA modulators of SPI-1 T3SS in Salmonella grown in probiotic cell-free conditioned media
John Clark-Corrigall (Newcastle University, UK)
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 1)
10:30 - 10:45
Preventing Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection: a Novel T-Cell-Based Vaccine Strategy
Rachel Bell (Queens University Belfast, UK)
Vaccine platforms to treat infectious diseases
10:30 - 10:45
From Report to Action: Interpreting Antimicrobial Susceptibility in Everyday Clinical Practice
Anne-Marie Dolan (Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland)
Education and Outreach Symposium (Part 2)
10:35 - 10:40
Mycobacteria exhibit Metabolic Memory
George Mayson (University of Surrey, UK)
Mycobacteria: Challenges and progress
10:35 - 10:50
Developing innovative educational resources for European COST Actions
Georgios Efthimiou (University of Hull, UK)
Education and Outreach Symposium (Part 2)
10:40 - 10:45
Regulation of influenza D virus matrix segment mRNA splicing
Shu Zhou (The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK)
Virus Symposium: Viral manipulation of the intracellular RNA world (Part 2)
10:40 - 11:00
Enhancing Communication Skills in Microbiology Through Outreach
Jenny Herbert (University of Manchester, UK)
Education and Outreach Symposium (Part 2)
10:45 - 10:50
Cross-Kingdom Microbial Interactions Reveal Genes Driving Stress Tolerance in Aspergillus fumigatus
Shafi Mondal (Clemson University, USA)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 2)
10:45 - 11:00
Data stewardship in microbial genomics research: the hidden complexity of reference strain variability
Angharad Green (University College London, UK)
Genetics and Genomics Forum (Part 1)
10:45 - 11:00
The glucose uptake inhibitor SgrS is induced by D-serine yet does not contribute to growth arrest in enterohaemorrhagic E. coli
Ella Rellis (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 1)
10:45 - 10:50
Novel Vaccine Candidates Targeting Antibiotic-Resistant A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa in an Acute Pneumonia Model
Nouran Rezk (University College Dublin, Ireland)
Vaccine platforms to treat infectious diseases
10:45 - 11:00
Reflecting on Honours Project Delivery through Antibiotics Unearthed: A Semi-Structured, Group Supervision Approach for Equitable, Research-Driven Learning and Curriculum Sustainability
Fiona Stainsby (Edinburgh Napier University, UK)
Education and Outreach Symposium (Part 2)
10:50 - 10:55
Oh, Please! 5-Oxoproline (OP), a natural amino acid derivative, is consumed by Campylobacter jejuni via a series of DUF proteins.
Jack Whitmore (University of Reading, UK)
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 1)
10:50 - 10:55
Riboswitch controlled glycine metabolism and detoxification in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Shahida Rafique (University College London, UK)
Mycobacteria: Challenges and progress
10:50 - 11:05
Science: Live on Stage – bringing science to schoolchildren through theatre
Nicola Crewe (University of Lincoln, UK)
Education and Outreach Symposium (Part 2)
10:55 - 11:00
Investigating the Regulatory Mechanisms of Acid Resistance in the Food-borne Pathogen Listeria monocytogenes by Rewiring the Trehalose Operon Expression
Jialun Wu (University of Galway, Ireland)
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 1)
10:55 - 11:00
Get Involved drop-in: Champions Scheme
Level 1 Foyer
Get Involved drop-in: Champions Scheme
11:00 - 12:15
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
11:00 - 12:15
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Education and Outreach Symposium (Part 2)
11:00 - 12:15
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 2)
11:00 - 12:15
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Genetics and Genomics Forum (Part 1)
11:00 - 12:15
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition (Hall 1)
Vaccine platforms to treat infectious diseases
11:00 - 12:15
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Virus Symposium: Viral manipulation of the intracellular RNA world (Part 2)
11:00 - 12:15
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Mycobacteria: Challenges and progress
11:05 - 12:15
Journals drop-in: Access Microbiology and Microbiology Outlooks
Exhibition Hall
Journals drop-in: Access Microbiology and Microbiology Outlooks
11:30 - 12:00
Transforming equity in STEM education through Alternative Grading
Arindam Mitra (RV University, Bengaluru, India)
Education and Outreach Symposium (Part 2)
12:15 - 12:30
Algal health under anthropogenic pressures
Claire Gachon (Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, France)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 2)
12:15 - 12:45
A metabolic atlas of the
Klebsiella pneumoniae
species complex reveals lineage-specific metabolism and capacity for intra-species co-operation
Kelly Wyres (Monash University, Australia)
Genetics and Genomics Forum (Part 1)
12:15 - 12:30
Investigating maturation and egress from host cells in the obligate intracellular bacterium
Orientia tsutsugamushi
Frances Aylward (University of Cambridge, UK)
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 1)
12:15 - 12:20
Exploring the diversity of mycobacteria cell surface modifying enzymes
Patrick Moynihan (University of Western Ontario, Canada)
Mycobacteria: Challenges and progress
12:15 - 12:35
Understanding the downstream consequences of Staphylococcus aureus induced ‘immune tuning’
Rachel McLoughlin (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
Vaccine platforms to treat infectious diseases
12:15 - 12:45
The good, the bad and the ugly - a tale of different viruses and their interplay with stress granules during infection.
Nicolas Locker (Pirbright Institute, UK)
Virus Symposium: Viral manipulation of the intracellular RNA world (Part 2)
12:15 - 12:35
Slow-Growing Human Cell Lines as an Alternative to Rabbit Sf1Ep Cells for In Vitro Cultivation of
Treponema pallidum
Katia Capuccini (Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK)
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 1)
12:20 - 12:25
Identification of a water filled hemichannel within a sensor kinase governing antibiotic influx into Gram-negative cells
Joy Jun Yan Yau (University of Portsmouth, UK)
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 1)
12:25 - 12:30
Making Microbiology Memorable through Digital Interaction
Jessica Locker (De Montfort University, UK)
Education and Outreach Symposium (Part 2)
12:30 - 12:45
When do conjugation systems help antibiotic resistance plasmids to persist - and does their effect change over time?
Eliza Rayner (University of Cambridge, UK)
Genetics and Genomics Forum (Part 1)
12:30 - 12:45
CprV safeguards cellular compartmentalisation in response to early developmental defects during Bacillus subtilis sporulation
Behzad Dehghani (University of Warwick, UK)
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 1)
12:30 - 12:45
Mode of action and mechanisms of resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Tanya Parish (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK)
Mycobacteria: Challenges and progress
12:35 - 12:55
A cold inducible protein, RBM3 enhances the localization and stabilization of NP mRNA inside stress granules in influenza A virus infected cells
Swathi Sukumar (Queens University Belfast, UK)
Virus Symposium: Viral manipulation of the intracellular RNA world (Part 2)
12:35 - 12:55
Space Matters - or does it? Exploring Team Based Learning across Varied Learning Environments
Bunmi Omorotionmwan (Nottingham Trent University, UK)
Education and Outreach Symposium (Part 2)
12:45 - 13:00
HUMID: Honing Our Understanding of Microbial Diversity in Tropical Peatlands
Leanne O'Donoghue (University College Cork, Ireland)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 2)
12:45 - 13:00
Synthetic riboswitches in the development of transposon mutagenesis for
Chlamydia muridarum
Dixita Naik (University of Southampton, UK)
Genetics and Genomics Forum (Part 1)
12:45 - 13:00
Small RNAs-mediated regulation of interspecies interactions in Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the polymicrobial environment of the cystic fibrosis airways
Edoardo Labrini (University of Cambridge, UK)
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 1)
12:45 - 13:00
Development of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum as a Vaccine Platform against Infections caused by Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli
Ayah Francis (University of Surrey, UK)
Vaccine platforms to treat infectious diseases
12:45 - 13:00
Mycolactone-producing mycobacteria as surrogates to study
M. ulcerans
-macrophage interactions
Kwabena Owusu-Boateng (University of Surrey, UK)
Mycobacteria: Challenges and progress
12:55 - 13:10
Hidden Heroes: Nuclear RNA-binding proteins and their secret antiviral power
Alfredo Castello (MRC University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, UK)
Virus Symposium: Viral manipulation of the intracellular RNA world (Part 2)
12:55 - 13:30
Panel session
TBC
Education and Outreach Symposium (Part 2)
13:00 - 13:30
Ambient temperature meta-omics of remote extremophile communities on snow and ice
Luke Richardson (University of Sheffield, UK)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 2)
13:00 - 13:15
Relaxed homology requirements drive high introgression in
Campylobacter
Eve Hallett (University of Oxford, UK)
Genetics and Genomics Forum (Part 1)
13:00 - 13:15
Investigating Temperate Phage Evolution and Function in Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Cystic Fibrosis Infections via CRISPRi Manipulation of Laboratory and Clinical Strains
Mariklairi Kiourkou (Northumbria University, UK)
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 1)
13:00 - 13:15
Building a platform for infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness.
Matthew Snape (Moderna, UK)
Vaccine platforms to treat infectious diseases
13:00 - 13:30
Insights into yeast dynamics in artisanal stretched-curd cheeses: influence of wooden biofilms, processing surfaces, and seasonality
Silvia Ruta (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, Italy)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 2)
13:15 - 13:20
Identifying Putative Virulence Factors with Highly Accurate Machine Learning Models
Jack Clark (University of Leicester, UK)
Genetics and Genomics Forum (Part 1)
13:15 - 13:30
A Novel Class of Survivors Against β-Lactam Antibiotics
Kieran Abbott (University of Cambridge, UK)
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 1)
13:15 - 13:30
Biofilm-Resistant Dental Implants: Exploring Omega-3 Fatty Acids as a Functional Coating
Aoife Mulry (Technological University of the Shannon Midlands, Ireland)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 2)
13:20 - 13:25
Get Involved drop-in: policy
Level 1 Foyer
Get Involved drop-in: policy
13:30 - 14:30
Lunch & Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
Lunch & Exhibition
13:30 - 14:30
Publishing Fundamentals - an Introduction to Peer Review
Tom Sharp (Microbiology Society, UK), Hall 2A
Publishing Fundamentals - an Introduction to Peer Review
13:45 - 14:15
Powering Microbial Discovery Through Consistent Sample Prep
Veronique Karsten (MP Biomedicals, France)
MP Biomedicals: Powering Microbial Discovery Through Consistent Sample Prep
13:45 - 14:15
Blastocystis—First Settler or Scapegoat? One Health rules for a misunderstood gut eukaryote
Anastasios Tsaousis (University of Kent, UK)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 3)
14:30 - 15:00
Beyond SNPs: Genome Rearrangements Influence
Salmonella Virulence
and Resistance
Emma Waters (Quadram Institute, UK)
Genetics and Genomics Forum (Part 2)
14:30 - 14:45
Knocking Out AMR
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 1)
14:30 - 14:35
NAD(P)H Quinone Oxidoreductases as Modulators of Antibiotic Resistance in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Christina Stylianou (Northumbria University, UK)
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 2)
14:30 - 14:45
Age Matters: Dissecting Epithelial and Neutrophil Responses to Respiratory Viruses Using Complex In‑Vitro Models
Claire Smith (University College London, UK)
Out of Body Experience- in vitro models of infection (Complex cell infection models)
14:30 - 15:00
Interferon plays a key role in the establishment of persistent parainfluenza virus type 5 infection
Elizabeth Wignall-Fleming (University of St Andrews, UK)
Virus Forum: Innate Immunity
14:30 - 14:42
Genome-Scale CRISPR-Cas9 Knockout Screening in Avian Cells Identifies a Novel Host Factor to Prevent Influenza Virus Infection
Rosemary Blake (The Roslin Institute, UK)
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 1)
14:30 - 14:42
Optimisation and characterisation of a nanoluciferase-encoding feline calicivirus as a molecular tool
Hagar Sasvari (MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, UK)
Virus Forum: Vaccines & Antivirals
14:30 - 14:42
Co-creating the Future of AMR Education: Insights from Educators on Teaching Needs to Support the Microbiology Society KO-AMR project
Thiru Vanniasinkam (Charles Sturt University, Australia)
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 1)
14:35 - 14:45
Distinct Spatial Patterns of Antiviral Immunity Induced by Human IFNλs
Kaitlin Donovan (Queen's University Belfast, UK)
Virus Forum: Innate Immunity
14:42 - 14:54
Characterizing host dependencies of the Hepatitis E virus ORF1 protein during viral replication
Khadijah Abualsaoud (University of Leeds, UK)
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 1)
14:42 - 14:54
Targeting calicivirus entry – a VP2-based peptide inhibitor of Feline Calicivirus
Charlotte Lewis (University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, UK)
Virus Forum: Vaccines & Antivirals
14:42 - 14:54
ANI old method won't do: objective benchmarking of ANI/OGRI tool performance
Leighton Pritchard (University of Strathclyde, UK)
Genetics and Genomics Forum (Part 2)
14:45 - 15:00
Antimicrobial polymers as emerging therapeutics: efficacy, antimicrobial interactions, and limited resistance evolution against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Natasha Reddy (University of Warwick, UK)
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 1)
14:45 - 14:55
Exposure to antimicrobial peptides triggers immune evasion in
Staphylococcus aureus
Edward Chaloner (University of Bath, UK)
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 2)
14:45 - 15:00
Spatial proteomics identifies a novel modulator of innate immunity
Joanne Kite (University of Cambridge, UK)
Virus Forum: Innate Immunity
14:54 - 15:06
Molecular players for forming liquid inclusions in influenza A virus infection
Aidan O'Riain (Universidade Católica Portuguesa & Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine, Portugal)
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 1)
14:54 - 15:06
Characterising the effect of the capsid inhibitor Lenacapavir on immune clearance of HIV-1-infected cells
Daniël Roovers (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK)
Virus Forum: Vaccines & Antivirals
14:54 - 15:06
Why We Medicate: Behavioural Predictors of Antimicrobial Use in Companion Animals
Jordan Pratt (Queen's University Belfast, UK)
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 1)
14:55 - 15:05
Investigating the Effects of Short-Chain Fatty Acids on Epithelial Barrier Dynamics in Microsporidia-Infected Caco-2 Cells
Moudy Bin Saleh (Newcastle University, UK & King Saud University, Saudi Arabia)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 3)
15:00 - 15:15
Activation of bacterial transcription by distortion of promoter base pairing
Ksenia Klimova (Aston University, UK)
Genetics and Genomics Forum (Part 2)
15:00 - 15:15
Unveiling the arthropod side of Orientia tsutsugamushi: New models reveal how the scrub typhus pathogen thrives in vector hosts
Magda Rogowska-van der Molen (University of Cambridge, UK)
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 2)
15:00 - 15:15
Differential host responses to RSV infection in epithelial-fibroblast co-cultures derived from healthy and COPD individuals
Telma Sancheira Freitas (University of Surrey, UK)
Out of Body Experience- in vitro models of infection (Complex cell infection models)
15:00 - 15:15
Exposing the resistance: 'True' detection of antimicrobial resistance genes through a customisable and interpretable multi-tool approach with AMRfíor
Katie Lawther (Queen's University Belfast, UK)
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 1)
15:05 - 15:15
Antiviral defence is a conserved function of diverse DNA glycosylases
Landon Getz (University of Toronto, Canada)
Virus Forum: Innate Immunity
15:06 - 15:18
Illuminating Reassortment: Single-Molecule Tools for Studying Segmented RNA Viruses
Stefano Bonazza (University of Cambridge, UK)
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 1)
15:06 - 15:18
Nef as a therapeutic target for PROTAC-mediated degradation toward enhancement of HIV-1 cure efficacy
Dylan Postmus (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK)
Virus Forum: Vaccines & Antivirals
15:06 - 15:18
Performance and Cost-Utility of Non-Culture Diagnostics for Invasive Aspergillosis in a Resource-Limited Setting: A Prospective, One-Year Study in Peshawar, Pakistan
Maria Khan (Peshawar, Pakistan)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 3)
15:15 - 15:20
Nisin-like biosynthetic gene clusters are widely distributed across microbiomes
David Hourigan (University College Cork, Ireland)
Genetics and Genomics Forum (Part 2)
15:15 - 15:30
Flash talk: Tracking AMR in a Changing Climate: Plasmid-Mediated Antibiotic Resistance in Flooded Agricultural Soils in Ireland
Eva Kilcoyne (Maynooth University, Ireland)
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 1)
15:15 - 15:17
Multi omic’s approach informs sustainable manufacture of Streptomyces-derived antibiotics
Alexa Gannon (University of Strathclyde, UK)
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 2)
15:15 - 15:20
Organoid models for assessment of novel therapeutics against BK polyomavirus
Stephen Adonai Leon-Icaza (University of Cambridge, UK)
Out of Body Experience- in vitro models of infection (Complex cell infection models)
15:15 - 15:30
Flash talk: Host-pathogen interactions shape the evolution of antimicrobial resistance
Doaa Higazy (University of Copenhagen, Denmark)
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 1)
15:17 - 15:19
Exploring the Antiviral Potential of Bat Antimicrobial Peptides
Christiane Cladrowa (University of Edinburgh, UK)
Virus Forum: Innate Immunity
15:18 - 15:30
Human Cytomegalovirus pUS14: A Novel Inhibitor of Cholesterol Metabolism That Modulates Innate Immunity
Jiayi Li (University of Cambridge, UK)
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 1)
15:18 - 15:30
Characterisation of the antiviral properties of natural product pellemicin
Afifah Tasnim (University of Warwick, UK)
Virus Forum: Vaccines & Antivirals
15:18 - 15:30
Flash talk: Detection and Characterisation of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in the Faeces of Irish Cattle
Mairead Quinn (TUS, Athlone, Ireland)
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 1)
15:19 - 15:21
Airborne Fungal Diversity and Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in a Care Home Environment
Danyi Cheng (Queen's University Belfast, UK)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 3)
15:20 - 15:25
Silencing the Competition: Concentration-Dependent Bacteriostasis of Vibrionaceae by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing Signal HHQ
Conor Hill (University College Cork, Ireland)
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 2)
15:20 - 15:25
Flash talk: Narrow spectrum drug repurposing for bacterial vaginosis
Ryan Kean (Glasgow Caledonian University, UK)
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 1)
15:21 - 15:23
Flash talk: Mobile Resistance Genes in Archaea: Genomic Evidence and One Health Implications
Ziming Wu (Queen's University Belfast, UK)
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 1)
15:23 - 15:25
Amid Magic and Menace: Psychiatrists’ attitudes to Psilocybin therapy
Andrew Gribben (National Drug Treatment Centre, Dublin, Ireland)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 3)
15:25 - 15:30
Flash talk: Genotypic evaluation of ESBL/AmpC producing- E. coli in health cattle in the UK
Larissa Melo Chicoski (Scotland's Rural College, UK)
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 1)
15:25 - 15:27
Microbial and Metabolic Mediators of Host–Microbe Dialogue in Early Life
Emily A. Butler (University College Cork, Ireland)
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 2)
15:25 - 15:30
Flash talk: Rapid emergence of colistin resistance is driven by phenotypic and gene duplicated tolerant intermediates
Ratnasri Krishna Murthy (Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India)
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 1)
15:27 - 15:29
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 1)
15:29 - 16:45
Get Involved drop-in: governance and Shadowing Scheme
Level 1 Foyer
Get Involved drop-in: governance and Shadowing Scheme
15:30 - 16:45
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
15:30 - 16:45
Break
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 3)
15:30 - 16:45
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Genetics and Genomics Forum (Part 2)
15:30 - 16:45
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 2)
15:30 - 16:45
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Out of Body Experience- in vitro models of infection (Complex cell infection models)
15:30 - 16:45
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Virus Forum: Innate Immunity
15:30 - 16:45
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 1)
15:30 - 16:45
Poster Block A, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Virus Forum: Vaccines & Antivirals
15:30 - 16:45
Journals drop-in: Journal of Medical Microbiology and Microbiology
Exhibition Hall
Journals drop-in: Journal of Medical Microbiology and Microbiology
16:00 - 16:30
The filarial 'microbiome'; new therapeutic approaches for tackling filarial parasitic diseases
Joseph Turner (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 3)
16:45 - 17:15
Identification of tandem repeats of an endogenous RdRp-like element in multiple species of butterfly and moth
Katy Brown (University of Cambridge, UK)
Genetics and Genomics Forum (Part 2)
16:45 - 17:00
Linking parliament, policy, politics and AMR: transforming 20th-century understandings for the 21st century
Natalie Bennett (House of Lords, UK)
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 1)
16:45 - 17:00
Identifying New Targets for Quorum-Sensing Molecules in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Isabel Askenasy (University of Cambridge, UK)
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 2)
16:45 - 17:00
Clostridia from preterm infants metabolise human milk oligosaccharides to suppress pathobionts and modulate intestinal function in organoids
Jon Chapman (Newcastle University, UK)
Out of Body Experience- in vitro models of infection (Complex cell infection models)
16:45 - 17:15
Alterations in mitochondrial related processes during influenza A virus infection
Daniela Brás (Católica Biomedical Research Centre, Portugal)
Virus Forum: Innate Immunity
16:45 - 16:57
How far can AlphaFold go? Lessons from modelling virus–host protein interactions using AlphaFold3
Ulad Litvin (MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, UK)
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 1)
16:45 - 16:57
Early non-structural antigens drive anti-HCMV antibody-dependent phagocytosis, but antigenic requirements differ from antibody-dependent NK activation
Carys Moore (Cardiff University, UK)
Virus Forum: Vaccines & Antivirals
16:45 - 16:57
From antiviral to proviral: the dual role of NcoA7 in arenavirus infection
Robert Stott-Marshall (University of Nottingham, UK)
Virus Forum: Innate Immunity
16:57 - 17:09
Uncovering the RNA cleavage landscape of HSV-1 VHS using ADAR-based RNA footprinting
Alistair Tweedie (University of Surrey, UK)
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 1)
16:57 - 17:09
Controlling HCMV Through Engineered NK-Mediated Antibody Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity-Inducing Immunotherapies.
Hannah Preston (Cardiff University, UK)
Virus Forum: Vaccines & Antivirals
16:57 - 17:09
Multi-thousand genome census to uncover the origins, evolution and diversity of TRAP transport systems across prokaryotic domains
Duncan Sussfeld (University of Oxford, UK)
Genetics and Genomics Forum (Part 2)
17:00 - 17:15
AMR Policy Needs the Next Generation, Now!
Ava Drake (University of Stirling, UK)
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 1)
17:00 - 17:05
Siderophore Piracy in Cystic Fibrosis: Staphylococcus aureus hijacks ornibactin from
Burkholderia cenocepacia
Charlotte Jeffery (University of Leicester, UK)
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 2)
17:00 - 17:15
Panel Discussion
Natalie Bennett (House of Lords, UK), Ava Drake (University of Stirling, UK), Simon Rolfe (Welsh Government, UK), Jamie Whitford (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, UK)
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 1)
17:05 - 18:00
Deciphering modes of inhibition of OROV entry
Dominic Wooding (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK)
Virus Forum: Innate Immunity
17:09 - 17:21
Deciphering the mechanism of coronavirus regulation by m6A RNA modification
Ikshitaa Dinesh (Imperial College, London & University of Surrey, UK)
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 1)
17:09 - 17:21
Piezoelectric Antivirals: A New Wave of Therapy
Ellie Martin (London South Bank University, UK)
Virus Forum: Vaccines & Antivirals
17:09 - 17:21
A multi-omic approach to understand the biology of the gut protist Blastocystis
Daisy Shaw (University of Kent, UK)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 3)
17:15 - 17:30
Metal adaptation as a major event of bacterial diversification around 2 Billion years ago
Priyanshu Raikwar (University of Oxford, UK)
Genetics and Genomics Forum (Part 2)
17:15 - 17:30
Structural studies of a cell-surface biofilm adhesin from a pathogenic bacterium
Olivia Smith (University of Cambridge, UK)
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum (Part 2)
17:15 - 17:30
Development of 3D skin organoid models to study the role of virus accessory proteins in HSV1 infection
Natasha Preston (University of Surrey, UK)
Out of Body Experience- in vitro models of infection (Complex cell infection models)
17:15 - 17:30
A new complex of three HSV-1 proteins antagonises cellular antiviral mechanisms
Marianne Perera (University of Cambridge, UK)
Virus Forum: Innate Immunity
17:21 - 17:33
Understanding dinucleotide bias in Influenza A virus via UpA enrichment in polymerase and nucleoprotein genes
Ananya Hoque (The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK)
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 1)
17:21 - 17:33
Use of Electron Radiation for the Development of an Inactivated Vaccine Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Tom Moore (University of Surrey & The National Physical Laboratory, UK)
Virus Forum: Vaccines & Antivirals
17:21 - 17:33
Strain-dependent survival and environmental resilience of Candida auris under UV-B exposure
Ayorinde Akinbobola (University of Stirling, UK)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 3)
17:30 - 17:45
A reproducible genomic data mining approach for antivirulence target prioritisation in clinical
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Sabah AE Ibrahim (Robert Gordon University, UK & National University, Khartoum, Sudan)
Genetics and Genomics Forum (Part 2)
17:30 - 17:45
Development of Bovine Mammary Organoids for the Study of Bovine Mastitis
Agatha Nabilla Lestari (The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK)
Out of Body Experience- in vitro models of infection (Complex cell infection models)
17:30 - 17:45
Novel insights into the HCMV “effectome” from highly multiplexed proteomic analysis of single gene expressing cells
Theo von Wilmowski (University of Cambridge, UK)
Virus Forum: Innate Immunity
17:33 - 17:45
Characterising the interaction between Bunyaviruses and host cellular stress pathways.
Emily Relton (The Pirbright Institute, UK)
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 1)
17:33 - 17:45
From moderate virulence to protective immunity: insights from inbred pigs infected with ASFV Estonia 2014
Priscilla YL Tng (The Pirbright Institute, UK)
Virus Forum: Vaccines & Antivirals
17:33 - 17:45
Defining the breadth and mechanisms of Cryptococcal killing by phytocannabinoids
Evie Clay (Macquarie University, Australia)
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment (Part 3)
17:45 - 18:00
Interkingdom Cross-Talk Between Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an In Vitro Model of Respiratory Co-infection
Stephen Dolan (Clemson University, USA)
Out of Body Experience- in vitro models of infection (Complex cell infection models)
17:45 - 18:00
Location, location, location: Where you put your reporter gene in influenza A virus really does matter
Colin Sharp (The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK)
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 1)
17:45 - 17:57
OrbiSIMS modelling and structural biology approaches reveal mechanisms of viral attenuation in recombinant arenaviruses
Alex Childs (University of Nottingham, UK)
Virus Forum: Vaccines & Antivirals
17:45 - 17:57
Fleming Prize Lecture: Unravelling Respiratory Viral Infections: from Bedside to Bench and Back
Professor Antonia Ho (MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research), Auditorium
Fleming Prize Lecture: Unravelling Respiratory Viral Infections: from Bedside to Bench and Back
18:15 - 19:00
Wednesday 15 April
Badge Collection
Riverside Foyer
Badge Collection
07:30 - 09:00
Outreach and Engagement Prize Lecture: "Science isn’t finished until it is communicated"
Dr Lindsay Broadbent (University of Surrey), Auditorium
Outreach and Engagement Prize Lecture: "Science isn’t finished until it is communicated"
09:00 - 09:45
Stable-isotope probing identifies anaerobic DMSP degraders and routes to DMS and methane in Blakeney salt-marsh sediments
Jeff Ojwach (University of East Anglia, UK)
Environmental, Applied and Industrial Microbiology Forum (Part 1)
10:00 - 10:15
Welcome
Infection Forum (Part 1)
10:00 - 10:05
Sharing is caring
Simon Rolfe (Welsh Government, UK)
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 2)
10:00 - 10:10
The pangenome of
Aspergillus fumigatus
highlights the dynamics of gene gain-loss over evolutionary time-scales in a human fungal pathogen
Harry Chown (Imperial College London, UK)
Microbial pangenomics: reaching new frontiers of an open and evolving discipline (Part 1)
10:00 - 10:30
Modeling and experimental approaches allow us to parse drivers of community responses to environmental change
Kaitlin A Schaal (University of Liverpool, UK)
Microbiome Forum (Part 1)
10:00 - 10:15
Investigating the role of the non-structural protein NSs of Oropouche virus in modulating RNA polymerase function
Rebecca Panteli (University of Cambridge, UK)
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 2)
10:00 - 10:12
Investigating the multifaceted roles of 2B* during EMCV replication
Hazel Stewart (University of Cambridge, UK)
Virus Forum: Pathogenesis (Part 1)
10:00 - 10:12
Genomic Characterisation of Full-Length and Deletion-Containing Influenza A Viruses in Environmental Samples
Aaron G. Canton Bastarrachea (Queen's University Belfast, UK)
Virus Forum: Transmission, Epidemiology & Diagnostics (Part 1)
10:00 - 10:12
Infection Science Award talk: Surgical Site Infections in returning cosmetic surgery tourists: A multi-centre prospective, observational study across Irish hospitals over a twelve-month period (Recorded)
Siobháin Kelly (Connolly Hospital, Ireland & Healthcare Infection Society, UK)
Infection Forum (Part 1)
10:05 - 10:25
UKRI Transdisciplinary AMR Networks Showcase
Jamie Whitford (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, UK)
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 2)
10:10 - 10:20
Investigating the role of the proteasome during Hepatitis E virus infection
Owen Byford (University of Leeds, UK)
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 2)
10:12 - 10:24
Identification of avian host factors underpinning Influenza A Virus (IAV) replication using a TRPPC screen
Hamna Jamil (The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK)
Virus Forum: Pathogenesis (Part 1)
10:12 - 10:24
Comparative Fitness and Reassortment Dynamics of Dominant European Clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAI Genotypes (AB and BB) in Ducks and Chickens
Elizabeth Billington (Animal and Plant Health Agency, UK)
Virus Forum: Transmission, Epidemiology & Diagnostics (Part 1)
10:12 - 10:24
Microbial Diversity and Biosyntethic Potential of a UK Hypersaline Brine
Michael Macey (The Open University, UK)
Environmental, Applied and Industrial Microbiology Forum (Part 1)
10:15 - 10:30
Small probiotic-mediated shifts in the gut microbiome are associated with reduced incidence and delayed onset of scours in dairy calves
Nilay Peker (Roslin Institute, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, UK)
Microbiome Forum (Part 1)
10:15 - 10:30
Horizon scanning workshop: Tackling Big Challenges: What could we do better to have a greater impact?
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 2)
10:20 - 10:50
Entry of SARS-CoV-2 during cell-to-cell transmission, as opposed to cell-free infection, occurs independently of TMPRSS2 and evades humoral immunity
Saskia Stenzel (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK)
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 2)
10:24 - 10:36
Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus Challenge in Calves, Modelling Parameters of Bovine and Human Infection
Sara Louise Cosby (Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute & Queen's University Belfast, UK)
Virus Forum: Pathogenesis (Part 1)
10:24 - 10:36
Pigeons and co-housed poultry; clinical and environmental sampling shows Columbiformes have low susceptibility and transmission potential for H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b high pathogenicity avian influenza virus in poultry.
Caroline Warren (Animal and Plant Health Agency, UK)
Virus Forum: Transmission, Epidemiology & Diagnostics (Part 1)
10:24 - 10:36
Infection Science Award talk: Oropouche Virus Reaches the UK: A Diagnostic Wake-Up Call for an Emerging Arbovirus
Wubbo de Boer (University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust))
Infection Forum (Part 1)
10:25 - 10:45
Divergence between intracellular and extracellular niches drives endosymbiont evolutionary entrapment
Erika Hansson (University of Manchester, UK)
Environmental, Applied and Industrial Microbiology Forum (Part 1)
10:30 - 10:45
Pangenomics Predicts Antifungal Siderotype of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Jacob Hudson (University of Kent, UK)
Microbial pangenomics: reaching new frontiers of an open and evolving discipline (Part 1)
10:30 - 10:45
Characterising Strain-Level Diversity of Wound versus Healthy Skin Staphylococcus Isolates Using a Human-Relevant Wound Model
Devyani Bhide (University of Hull, UK)
Microbiome Forum (Part 1)
10:30 - 10:45
Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) utilises V-ATPase for genome replication
Ryan Bishop (University of Leeds, UK)
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 2)
10:36 - 10:48
Staphylococcus aureus
enhances influenza A virus replication through manipulation of cellular vacuole sorting
Mariya Goncheva (University of Victoria, Canada)
Virus Forum: Pathogenesis (Part 1)
10:36 - 10:48
Viral resilience in the face of change? The impact of lead pollution on virus infection in the lab and in the wild
Jiaying Gu (Queen's University Belfast, UK)
Virus Forum: Transmission, Epidemiology & Diagnostics (Part 1)
10:36 - 10:48
Cold plasma briefly increases antibiotic susceptibility in biofilms
Thomas Thompson (Queen's University Belfast, UK)
Infection Forum (Part 1)
10:45 - 11:00
Pandemic lineage emergence leads to collateral species-wide evolution
Elizabeth Cummins (University of Oxford,UK)
Microbial pangenomics: reaching new frontiers of an open and evolving discipline (Part 1)
10:45 - 11:00
What shapes fish skin microbiomes? Insights from cultured and sequenced three-spined stickleback fish skin microbiome across Scottish lochs.
Francis Gyapong (University of Nottingham, UK)
Microbiome Forum (Part 1)
10:45 - 10:50
Viral RNA quarantined by the E3 ligase-helicase ZNFX1
Eilidh Rivers (MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, UK)
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 2)
10:48 - 11:00
Exploring TMEM154 Function in Maedi Visna Virus Resistance for the Establishment of a Breeding Selection Programme
Susanna Ó Raghallaigh (Moredun Research Institute, UK)
Virus Forum: Pathogenesis (Part 1)
10:48 - 11:00
Targeted metagenomic sequencing of symptomatic respiratory infections from UK healthcare workers in the SIREN study, Winter 2023 - 2024
Marissa Knoll (Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK)
Virus Forum: Transmission, Epidemiology & Diagnostics (Part 1)
10:48 - 11:00
Group Feedback
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 2)
10:50 - 11:00
Patterns in the Unknown
Lisa Crossman (University of East Anglia & SequenceAnalysis.co.uk, UK)
Microbiome Forum (Part 1)
10:50 - 10:55
Multi-omic profiling of oral, gut, and systemic signatures in infective endocarditis
Joseph Luke Falconer (King's College London, UK)
Microbiome Forum (Part 1)
10:55 - 11:00
Get Involved drop-in: grants
Level 1 Foyer
Get Involved drop-in: grants
11:00 - 12:15
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
11:00 - 12:15
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Environmental, Applied and Industrial Microbiology Forum (Part 1)
11:00 - 12:15
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Infection Forum (Part 1)
11:00 - 12:15
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Microbial pangenomics: reaching new frontiers of an open and evolving discipline (Part 1)
11:00 - 12:15
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Microbiome Forum (Part 1)
11:00 - 12:15
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 2)
11:00 - 12:15
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Virus Forum: Pathogenesis (Part 1)
11:00 - 12:15
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Virus Forum: Transmission, Epidemiology & Diagnostics (Part 1)
11:00 - 12:15
Journals drop-in: Microbial Genomics and Microbiology Horizons
Exhibition Hall
Journals drop-in: Microbial Genomics and Microbiology Horizons
11:30 - 12:00
The Role of Flagellar Motility in Bacterial-Fungal Endosymbiosis
Ariel Heinrich (University of Arizona, USA)
Environmental, Applied and Industrial Microbiology Forum (Part 1)
12:15 - 12:30
Beyond the genome: linking genotype to phenotype for invasive non-Typhoidal
Salmonella enteritidis
Aisling Brady (University of Liverpool, UK)
Infection Forum (Part 1)
12:15 - 12:30
Horizon scanning workshop: Wrap-up session
Knocking Out AMR Challenge (Part 2)
12:15 - 13:15
Does using differing proxies for effective population size affect conclusions about pangenome evolution?
Gavin Douglas (University of New Brunswick, Canada)
Microbial pangenomics: reaching new frontiers of an open and evolving discipline (Part 1)
12:15 - 13:00
Is there a diet associated with a healthy gut and vaginal microbiome during pregnancy? Insights from the MicrobeMom study
Aoife Davis (University College Dublin, Ireland)
Microbiome Forum (Part 1)
12:15 - 12:30
Characterisation of Functional RNA Elements in Astrovirus Genomes
Ksenia Fominykh (University of Cambridge, UK)
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 2)
12:15 - 12:27
Defining Leukocyte Metabolic Signatures that Predict HCMV Viraemia Development in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Rowan Casey (Cardiff University, UK)
Virus Forum: Pathogenesis (Part 1)
12:15 - 12:27
Genomic Characterisation of a New Maedi Visna Virus Strain in UK Sheep
Scott Jones (University of Nottingham, UK)
Virus Forum: Transmission, Epidemiology & Diagnostics (Part 1)
12:15 - 12:27
Enterovirus 2A interactions with host translation machinery influence species-tropism
James Kelly (The Pirbright Institute, UK)
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 2)
12:27 - 12:39
JAK Independent Activation of STAT5 Promotes HCMV Reactivation in Primary Dendritic Cells
Aisha Fakhroo (University College London, UK)
Virus Forum: Pathogenesis (Part 1)
12:27 - 12:39
Optimising stool preservation methods to overcome cold chain constraints for the diagnosis of enteric RNA viral diseases
Roop Dhillon (University of Birmingham, UK)
Virus Forum: Transmission, Epidemiology & Diagnostics (Part 1)
12:27 - 12:39
High-Throughput Screening of Algal–Bacterial Interactions for Functional Discovery, Ecological Insight, and Biotechnological Application
Zongting Cai (University of Sheffield, UK)
Environmental, Applied and Industrial Microbiology Forum (Part 1)
12:30 - 12:45
Disruption of the nucleoli and translation by a
Legionella
Dot/Icm T4SS effector
Vikrant Kashyap (Queen’s University Belfast, UK)
Infection Forum (Part 1)
12:30 - 12:45
The effect of dietary intervention in ewes on the lamb microbiome and methane emissions
Calum Bridson (University College Dublin, Ireland)
Microbiome Forum (Part 1)
12:30 - 12:45
Characterising the activity of the Marek’s Disease Virus Virion Host Shutoff Protein
Sophie Cutts (The Pirbright Institute & University of Surrey, UK)
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 2)
12:39 - 12:51
Characterisation of an upstream, in-frame start codon in the species A rotavirus NSP3 segment
Hou Wei Chook (The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK)
Virus Forum: Pathogenesis (Part 1)
12:39 - 12:51
How the Hypervariable Region of Hepatitis E Virus Impacts Host Range and Replication.
Charlotte Williams (University of Leeds, UK)
Virus Forum: Transmission, Epidemiology & Diagnostics (Part 1)
12:39 - 12:51
A Hitchhiker's Guide to Soils: Exploring How Free-Living Nematodes and Bacteria Impact Rhizosphere Microbiomes
Ciara Keating (Durham University, UK), Hall 2B
Environmental, Applied and Industrial Microbiology Forum (Part 1)
12:45 - 13:00
Single-cell transcriptomics and metagenomic analysis reveal mechanisms of long-term immunity to cholera following infection and vaccination
Lia Bote (Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK)
Infection Forum (Part 1)
12:45 - 13:00
Fast and accurate strain level microbiome associations with StrainSpy
Gerry Tonkin-Hill (University of Melbourne & Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Australia)
Microbiome Forum (Part 1)
12:45 - 13:00
Structural studies of the hemagglutinin-membrane interaction
Luke Perera (Francis Crick Institute, UK)
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 2)
12:51 - 13:03
Structural and Biophysical Characterization of Rotavirus A RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Interacting with Biomolecules
Francesca Goldfinch ((University of Cambridge, UK)
Virus Forum: Pathogenesis (Part 1)
12:51 - 13:03
Detection of a coronavirus in British Red Foxes,
Vulpes vulpes
Charlotte Parker (University of Nottingham, UK)
Virus Forum: Transmission, Epidemiology & Diagnostics (Part 1)
12:51 - 13:03
Molecular tracking of fermentation-associated microorganisms in artisanal cheese-making processes
Silvia Ruta (University of Catania, Italy)
Environmental, Applied and Industrial Microbiology Forum (Part 1)
13:00 - 13:15
Comparative analysis of
Staphylococcus aureus
from matched within-patient nasal and infection sites reveals that virulence phenotypes correlate with clonal complex and not isolate source
Justine Rudkin (University of Glasgow, UK)
Infection Forum (Part 1)
13:00 - 13:15
Nanopore Long-Read Metagenomics Reveals Enhanced Microbial Diversity and Biosynthetic Potential in Marine Sponge Holobionts
Jenileima Devi (University of Sunderland, UK)
Microbial pangenomics: reaching new frontiers of an open and evolving discipline (Part 1)
13:00 - 13:15
Metagenomic Methodological Considerations and Benchmarking in a Scottish One Health Study
Sara Pita (Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK)
Microbiome Forum (Part 1)
13:00 - 13:15
Systematic functional characterisation of each of 180 human cytomegalovirus proteins
Yuchen Lin (University of Cambridge, UK)
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 2)
13:03 - 13:15
TYPING OF HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS SUBTYPES IN CERVICAL BIOPSIES: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY IN MODIBBO ADAMA
Zubaida Hassan (Modibbo Adama University, Nigeria)
Virus Forum: Pathogenesis (Part 1)
13:03 - 13:15
Salivary antibodies mirror systemic humoral immunity to SARS CoV-2 and reveal sex-specific differences in salivary anti-spike IgA and IgG levels
John Mac Sharry (University College Cork, Ireland)
Virus Forum: Transmission, Epidemiology & Diagnostics (Part 1)
13:03 - 13:15
Polyphasic characterization of
Bacillus subtilis strains
for iru fermentation and vitamin bioenrichment
Afolake Olanbiwoninu (Ajayi Crowther University, Nigeria)
Environmental, Applied and Industrial Microbiology Forum (Part 1)
13:15 - 13:30
Open Discussion
Microbial pangenomics: reaching new frontiers of an open and evolving discipline (Part 1)
13:15 - 13:30
Revealing the microbial dynamics which facilitate successful ruminant methane mitigation via novel oxygen-releasing feed additives
Alison Graham (University of Galway, Ireland)
Microbiome Forum (Part 1)
13:15 - 13:20
HSV-1 pUL56 Depletes Voltage-Gated Ion Channels and Abolishes Electrical Activity of Human Cortical Neurones
Stephen Graham (University of Cambridge, UK)
Virus Forum: Molecular & Cellular Biology (Part 2)
13:15 - 13:27
Development of a two-colour fluorescence assay to quantify HPV16 E7 stability to identify novel Deubquitases
Louisa Wootton (University of Sussex, UK)
Virus Forum: Pathogenesis (Part 1)
13:15 - 13:27
Isolation and identification of antibiotic resistant bacteria and genes from soil. The effect of animal manure use as a fertiliser on antimicrobial resistance in an Irish beef and sheep farm.
Brian Joyce (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
Microbiome Forum (Part 1)
13:20 - 13:25
Unravelling the structure and diversity of the healthy human nasal microbiome
Duncan Ng (Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK)
Microbiome Forum (Part 1)
13:25 - 13:30
Get Involved drop-in: Knocking Out AMR
Level 1 Foyer
Get Involved drop-in: Knocking Out AMR
13:30 - 14:30
Lunch & Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
Lunch & Exhibition
13:30 - 14:30
Women Microbiologists Network: wellbeing and professional development in academia
Enas Newire (Middlesex University, UK), Hall 2A
Women Microbiologists Network: wellbeing and professional development in academia
13:45 - 14:15
Move beyond antibodies with Ankyrons®: next generation target binding reagents
Maya Cowans (ProImmune, Inc., USA)
Proimmune: Move beyond antibodies with Ankyrons®: next generation target binding reagents
13:45 - 14:15
Reprogramming the genetic code for next-gen recombinant biomolecules
Daniel de la Torre (Constructive Bio, UK)
Engineering (Micro)biology: Reprogramming microbes towards global solutions (Part 1)
14:30 - 15:00
An ecological framework characterising the disturbance potential of Bacillus spp toward soil microbial communities
Deepanshi Karwall (University of Manchester, UK)
Environmental, Applied and Industrial Microbiology Forum (Part 2)
14:30 - 14:45
Systems ecology of the human expobiome: from molecules to mechanisms (Recorded)
Paul Wilmes (University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg)
Exploring Microbiome Function
14:30 - 15:00
Identifying disease-associated microbial-pathogen interactions
Melissa Lawson (University of Manchester, UK)
Infection Forum (Part 2)
14:30 - 14:45
A pangenome of the sexually transmitted parasite
Trichomonas vaginalis
Jordan Orosco (Johns Hopkins University, USA)
Microbial pangenomics: reaching new frontiers of an open and evolving discipline (Part 2)
14:30 - 15:00
Unraveling bacterial complexity at the single-cell level through cryo-electron microscopy and microfluidics
Nida Ali (University of Cambridge, UK)
Transformative tools for biological complexity (Part 1)
14:30 - 14:45
Parainfluenza and Human Metapneumovirus - Hidden burden and unmet need for therapy and vaccines
Catherine Moore (Public Health Wales, UK)
Virus Symposium: A Virus For All Seasons (Part 1)
14:30 - 15:10
Non-genetic spatiotemporal control of microbial growth using light
Thomas Thorpe (University of Edinburgh, UK)
Environmental, Applied and Industrial Microbiology Forum (Part 2)
14:45 - 15:00
Extracellular ATP is an environmental cue in bacteria
Andrea Puhar (Queen's University Belfast, UK & Umea University, Sweden)
Infection Forum (Part 2)
14:45 - 15:00
Nanocapillary subcellular sampling: Uncovering the stress granule proteome
Claire Davison (King's College London, UK)
Transformative tools for biological complexity (Part 1)
14:45 - 15:00
Utilising Evolution and Genetic Engineering to Optimise Live Bacterial Therapeutics for Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Julia Leeflang (Adelaide University, Australia)
Engineering (Micro)biology: Reprogramming microbes towards global solutions (Part 1)
15:00 - 15:15
Photodynamic inactivation as an effective intervention against Campylobacter
Aidan Taylor (University of Reading, UK)
Environmental, Applied and Industrial Microbiology Forum (Part 2)
15:00 - 15:15
Understanding Microbe-Microbe Interactions in Cystic Fibrosis.
Michelle Hardman (University of Manchester, UK)
Exploring Microbiome Function
15:00 - 15:15
Microbial interactions can shape the fitness costs associated with antibiotic resistance mutations in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Jack Knowles (Queen’s University Belfast, UK)
Infection Forum (Part 2)
15:00 - 15:15
Expanding vaginal microbiome pangenomes via a custom MIDAS database reveals
Lactobacillus crispatus
accessory genes associated with cervical dysplasia
Claire Dubin (University of California San Francisco, USA)
Microbial pangenomics: reaching new frontiers of an open and evolving discipline (Part 2)
15:00 - 15:15
Viruses under the Mathematical Microscope: unravelling the complexity of viral infections through the lens of viral geometry
Reidun Twarock (University of York, UK)
Transformative tools for biological complexity (Part 1)
15:00 - 15:30
The antigenic distance of IBDV genogroups poorly correlates with the number of amino-acid substitutions in the hypervariable region (HVR) of the VP2 capsid, but better correlates with its predicted structure.
Andrew Broadbent (University of Maryland, USA)
Virus Symposium: A Virus For All Seasons (Part 1)
15:10 - 15:30
Wee coli: minicells for incorporation into engineered living materials
David Mark (University of Glasgow, UK)
Engineering (Micro)biology: Reprogramming microbes towards global solutions (Part 1)
15:15 - 15:30
Material-Dependent Variations in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Biofilm Matrix Composition and Structure
Daniel J. Whiley (Nottingham Trent University, UK)
Environmental, Applied and Industrial Microbiology Forum (Part 2)
15:15 - 15:30
Understanding the role of the microbiome in chickens
Laura Glendinning (Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK)
Exploring Microbiome Function
15:15 - 15:30
Adaptation to Hypoxia is a Driving Factor in Chronic
Burkholderia cenocepacia
Infection
Ciarán Carey (University College Dublin, Ireland)
Infection Forum (Part 2)
15:15 - 15:30
Twenty years of pangenome evolution of Campylobacter spp in the UK
Julian Parkhill (University of Cambridge, UK)
Microbial pangenomics: reaching new frontiers of an open and evolving discipline (Part 2)
15:15 - 15:30
Get Involved drop-in: Prizes Panel/nominations
Level 1 Foyer
Get Involved drop-in: Prizes Panel/nominations
15:30 - 16:45
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
15:30 - 16:45
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Engineering (Micro)biology: Reprogramming microbes towards global solutions (Part 1)
15:30 - 16:45
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Environmental, Applied and Industrial Microbiology Forum (Part 2)
15:30 - 16:45
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Exploring Microbiome Function
15:30 - 16:45
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Infection Forum (Part 2)
15:30 - 16:45
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Microbial pangenomics: reaching new frontiers of an open and evolving discipline (Part 2)
15:30 - 16:45
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Transformative tools for biological complexity (Part 1)
15:30 - 16:45
Poster Block B, Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Virus Symposium: A Virus For All Seasons (Part 1)
15:30 - 16:45
Journals drop-in: Journal of General Virology and International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology
Exhibition Hall
Journals drop-in: Journal of General Virology and International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology
16:00 - 16:30
Microbial Metal Factories
Louise Horsfall (University of Edinburgh, UK)
Engineering (Micro)biology: Reprogramming microbes towards global solutions (Part 1)
16:45 - 17:15
Spatial and temporal variations in AMR profiles of hospital sewer biofilms
Rande Dzay (Bangor University, UK)
Environmental, Applied and Industrial Microbiology Forum (Part 2)
16:45 - 17:00
Beyond Abundance: Adaptive Diversity Reveals Environment-Specific Functional Optimisation in Rumen Microbiomes
Chris Creevey (Queen's University Belfast, UK)
Exploring Microbiome Function
16:45 - 17:15
Raman Spectral Profiling of Chronic Wound–Associated Biofilms using Machine Learning Classification
Zainab Bilal (University of Strathclyde & University of Glasgow, UK)
Infection Forum (Part 2)
16:45 - 17:00
Host-pathogen pangenome insights into the genetics of melioidosis infection
Claire Chewapreecha (Mahidol University, Thailand)
Microbial pangenomics: reaching new frontiers of an open and evolving discipline (Part 2)
16:45 - 17:15
A Life Identification Number Barcoding (LIN Code) System for
Neisseria meningitidis
: high resolution multi-level typing of meningococci
Kasia Parfitt (University of Oxford, UK)
Transformative tools for biological complexity (Part 1)
16:45 - 17:00
Determinants of transmission dynamics and evolution patterns of H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza in Anseriformes in China
Ying Zeng (Roslin Institute, UK)
Virus Symposium: A Virus For All Seasons (Part 1)
16:45 - 17:05
Temperature-Dependent Survival of Carbapenemase-Producing E. coli in Seawater
Niamh Cahill (University of Galway, Ireland)
Environmental, Applied and Industrial Microbiology Forum (Part 2)
17:00 - 17:15
Molecular and structural dissection of a novel milk-associated biofilm produced by
Staphylococcus aureus
Christine S. Grant (Roslin Institue, UK)
Infection Forum (Part 2)
17:00 - 17:15
Microsecond time-resolved and conventional cryoEM reveal early intermediates to acid-induced capsid dissociation of foot-and-mouth disease virus
Giann Kerwin Dellosa (University of Oxford & Pirbright Institute, UK)
Transformative tools for biological complexity (Part 1)
17:00 - 17:15
Adenovirus-vectored vaccines against African swine fever virus genotype I and a genotype I/II hybrid
Christopher Netherton (The Pirbright Institute, UK)
Virus Symposium: A Virus For All Seasons (Part 1)
17:05 - 17:25
To fim or to swim: Genetic Control of Type 1 Fimbriae Regulates the Adhesion–Motility junction in E. coli.
Emily Horsburgh (University of Glasgow, UK)
Engineering (Micro)biology: Reprogramming microbes towards global solutions (Part 1)
17:15 - 17:30
Small and mighty —
Paracoccus denitrificans
as a factory for polyhydroxyalkanoates and water treatment solution.
Lukasz Ceglarski (University of Sheffield, UK)
Environmental, Applied and Industrial Microbiology Forum (Part 2)
17:15 - 17:30
Microbial Bile Salt Hydrolases: Multifunctional Enzymes Shaping Host and Microbial Physiology
Susan Joyce (University College Cork, Ireland)
Exploring Microbiome Function
17:15 - 17:30
Human DNases susceptibility to herpes simplex virus 1 infection
Mila Collados Rodríguez (Universidad Miguel Hernández, Spain)
Infection Forum (Part 2)
17:15 - 17:30
A comparative genomic interrogation of Burkholderia cenocepacia as a cystic fibrosis lung pathogen and rarely encountered environmental bacterium.
Eshwar Mahenthiralingam (Cardiff University, UK)
Microbial pangenomics: reaching new frontiers of an open and evolving discipline (Part 2)
17:15 - 17:30
From images to insight: quantitative imaging technologies tools for microbiology
Gail McConnell (University of Strathclyde, UK)
Transformative tools for biological complexity (Part 1)
17:15 - 17:55
Seasonal respiratory virus surveillance - highlights from the Respiratory Virus Unit
Anika Singanayagam (UK Health Security Agency, UK)
Virus Symposium: A Virus For All Seasons (Part 1)
17:25 - 18:00
Engineering synthetic gene circuits to tune membrane protein production
Alexandra Trigg (Aston University, UK)
Engineering (Micro)biology: Reprogramming microbes towards global solutions (Part 1)
17:30 - 17:45
Dynamics of SynBio and SynComs in drinking water biofilms
James T Croxford (University of Glasgow, UK)
Environmental, Applied and Industrial Microbiology Forum (Part 2)
17:30 - 17:45
The Microbiome of the Hive as an Indicator and Predictor of Honeybee Health
Kerry Barnard (University of Surrey, UK)
Exploring Microbiome Function
17:30 - 17:45
Cryo-EM reveals multiple mechanisms of ribosome inhibition by doxycycline
Nicholas Harmer (University of Exeter, UK)
Infection Forum (Part 2)
17:30 - 17:45
Pangenomic insights into the metabolic, physiological and biosynthetic potential of a Candidatus extremophilic bacterial phylum
Michael Macey (The Open University, UK)
Microbial pangenomics: reaching new frontiers of an open and evolving discipline (Part 2)
17:30 - 17:45
High-throughput glycoengineering of bacterial glycoconjugate vaccines
Rebekah Jones (University of Nottingham, UK)
Engineering (Micro)biology: Reprogramming microbes towards global solutions (Part 1)
17:45 - 18:00
Oh poop! Pawsitive selection in the resistome and microbiome of the canine gut in the first year of life
Ana Martinez-Lopez (The Roslin Institute & Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, UK)
Exploring Microbiome Function
17:45 - 17:50
Finding function in the panstructurome, pantranscriptome and panselectome of
E. coli
Zachary Ardern (Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK)
Microbial pangenomics: reaching new frontiers of an open and evolving discipline (Part 2)
17:45 - 18:00
Models to determine functions of the oral microbiome for personal care products safety assessments
Silvia Klamert (Unilever SERS, Sharnbrook, UK)
Exploring Microbiome Function
17:50 - 17:55
Age-Related Skin Microbiome Dynamics: From Community Profiling to Strain-Level Analysis
Nina Rocha (Wound Innovation Centre, University of Hull, UK)
Exploring Microbiome Function
17:55 - 18:00
Marjory Stephenson Prize Lecture: How c-di-GMP controls progression through the Streptomyces life cycle
Professor Mark Buttner (The John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park), Auditorium
Marjory Stephenson Prize Lecture: How c-di-GMP controls progression through the Streptomyces life cycle
18:15 - 19:00
Thursday 16 April
Badge Collection
Riverside Foyer
Badge Collection
08:00 - 09:00
Hot Topic: What AI can and can’t do for antibiotic discovery
Professor Jonathan Stokes (McMaster University, Canada), Auditorium
Hot Topic: What AI can and can’t do for antibiotic discovery
09:00 - 09:30
Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Automation to Scale Human Gut Microbiome Culturomics
Yiwei Sun (Columbia University, USA)
AI-enabled Microbiology
09:45 - 10:15
Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before Leaving Academia
Magdalena Karlikowska (Cytecom Ltd., UK)
Careers Session
09:45 - 10:05
Engineered bacterial Community (EngComs) to promote plant growth
Sarah Guiziou (Earlham Institute, UK)
Engineering (Micro)biology: Reprogramming microbes towards global solutions (Part 2)
09:45 - 10:15
A tale of two parasites: multi-host transmission of the roundworms
Toxocara
and
Ascaris
Martha Betson (University of Surrey, UK)
Pathogens without borders: Multi-host veterinary infections
09:45 - 10:10
Zymoseptoria tritici
: microbial interactions and AMR in a fungal wheat pathogen that survives - and thrives - on the leaf surface
Helen Fones (University of Exeter, UK)
Plant-Pathogen Interactions
09:45 - 10:25
CoEVFold suite: user-friendly pipelines to visually represent protein coevolution in bacteria
Chris Graham (University of Warwick, UK)
Transformative tools for biological complexity (Part 2)
09:45 - 10:00
Investigating the viral-host membrane fusion events of Nipah Virus
Joe Thrush (Rosalind Franklin Institute & King's College London, UK)
Virus Symposium: A Virus For All Seasons (Part 2)
09:45 - 10:05
Spatially-resolved host-pathogen interactions across the lung
Josie Bryant (Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK)
Transformative tools for biological complexity (Part 2)
10:00 - 10:40
An Account Manager's Tale: From Bench side to Business
Paul Norton (BMKGene, UK)
Careers Session
10:05 - 10:25
Mosquito Scotland: Assessing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases in Scotland and their response to environmental change
Emilie Pondeville (MRC- University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, UK)
Virus Symposium: A Virus For All Seasons (Part 2)
10:05 - 10:45
Host-dependent fitness effects of a ColV plasmid in avian pathogenic and commensal
Escherichia coli
within a complex gut microbiome
Charlotte Birdsall (University of Surrey, UK)
Pathogens without borders: Multi-host veterinary infections
10:10 - 10:25
A Machine Learning Tool Integrating Structural and Evolutionary Context into Protein Language Model Predictions of Norovirus Mutation
Sebastian Bowyer (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK)
AI-enabled Microbiology
10:15 - 10:30
Adaption to climate change in the rhizosphere across the millennia
Josephine Giard (Heriot-Watt University, UK)
Engineering (Micro)biology: Reprogramming microbes towards global solutions (Part 2)
10:15 - 10:30
Jack of all trades, master of none - Taking risks on a new field
Paula Corsini (University of Arts London, UK)
Careers Session
10:25 - 10:45
The mammalian-adaptive PB2-627K mutation in clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 HPAI virus maintains fitness in avian hosts
Simon Johnson (APHA, UK)
Pathogens without borders: Multi-host veterinary infections
10:25 - 10:40
Biogenic silver nanoparticles derived from
Streptomyces sp.
augment tomato immunity against Fusarium crown and root rot, promoting sustainable agriculture in the United Arab Emirates
Khaled El-Tarabily (United Arab Emirates University, UAE)
Plant-Pathogen Interactions
10:25 - 10:45
aiSourcePro: A Scalable Framework for Machine Learning–Based Source Attribution in Bacterial Genomics
Broncio Aguilar-Sanjuan (University of Oxford, UK)
AI-enabled Microbiology
10:30 - 10:45
Synthetic Biofilm Engineering as a Catalyst Towards Enhanced Bioremediation
Ronan McCarthy (University of Southampton, UK)
Engineering (Micro)biology: Reprogramming microbes towards global solutions (Part 2)
10:30 - 10:45
Get Involved drop-in: Early Career Forum
Level 1 Foyer
Get Involved drop-in: Early Career Forum
10:45 - 11:45
Refreshments & Exhibition
Exhibition Hall
Refreshments & Exhibition
10:45 - 11:45
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
AI-enabled Microbiology
10:45 - 11:45
Refreshments & Exhibition (Hall 1)
Careers Session
10:45 - 11:45
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Engineering (Micro)biology: Reprogramming microbes towards global solutions (Part 2)
10:45 - 11:45
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Pathogens without borders: Multi-host veterinary infections
10:45 - 11:45
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Plant-Pathogen Interactions
10:45 - 11:45
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Transformative tools for biological complexity (Part 2)
10:45 - 11:45
Refreshments & Exhibition
Hall 1
Virus Symposium: A Virus For All Seasons (Part 2)
10:45 - 11:45
Microbiolomics Meets AI: Integrating Artificial Intelligence with Multi-Omics for Precision Microbiology
Kalai Mathee (Euleris & LifetimeOmics, USA)
AI-enabled Microbiology
11:45 - 12:15
SciComm from UK to Europe: Building qualitative value in a quantitative world
Joseph Shuttleworth (FEMS, Netherlands)
Careers Session
11:45 - 12:05
LACE: Microbial synthetic chromosomes made easy
Benjamin Blount (University of Nottingham, UK)
Engineering (Micro)biology: Reprogramming microbes towards global solutions (Part 2)
11:45 - 12:15
Can undiscovered restriction factors protect humans from zoonotic livestock disease? Species-specific interferon stimulated genes correlate with mammalian resistance to foot-and-mouth disease
Toby Tuthill (The Pirbright Institute, UK)
Pathogens without borders: Multi-host veterinary infections
11:45 - 12:10
Plant-viral symbioses: Can a virus become a mutualist?
John Carr (University of Cambridge, UK)
Plant-Pathogen Interactions
11:45 - 12:25
A New Model for Predicting the Infection Dynamics of Herpes Simplex Virus in Cell and Tissue Environments
Monica Hill (University of Surrey, UK)
Transformative tools for biological complexity (Part 2)
11:45 - 12:00
CpG-enriched influenza A virus polymerase segments; the optimal vaccine targets when utilising segment-specific, ZAP-dependent attenuatio
Maia Beeson (Roslin Institute, UK)
Virus Symposium: A Virus For All Seasons (Part 2)
11:45 - 12:05
Revealing Biofilm Architecture with Cross-scale and Multi-modal Imaging Techniques
Connor MacDonald (University of Strathclyde, UK)
Transformative tools for biological complexity (Part 2)
12:00 - 12:15
From a micro BMS to the macro world of academia
Natalie Lamont (University of Sunderland, UK)
Careers Session
12:05 - 12:25
Replication of H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b Viruses in Bovine Cells Is Shaped by Internal Gene Constellation and Varies Throughout Evolution
Nicole Upfold (MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, UK)
Virus Symposium: A Virus For All Seasons (Part 2)
12:05 - 12:25
Investigating the responses of non-typhoidal
Salmonella serovars
to bile
Prerna Vohra (University of Edinburgh, UK)
Pathogens without borders: Multi-host veterinary infections
12:10 - 12:25
Scalable Screening of AI Designed Binders that Prevent Virus Entry
Sarah Little (University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, UK)
AI-enabled Microbiology
12:15 - 12:30
Modelling the Effect of Inner-Membrane Protein Production On Sec-Mediated Translocation in E. coli
Adam Wood (Aston University, UK)
Engineering (Micro)biology: Reprogramming microbes towards global solutions (Part 2)
12:15 - 12:30
Absolute spatial detection and quantitation of early virus infection in 3D tissues and human samples
Ilan Davis (University of Glasgow, UK)
Transformative tools for biological complexity (Part 2)
12:15 - 12:55
Pivoting from Pipettes: A Scientist’s Move into Sequencing Sales and Business Development
Robyn Braes (Novogene, UK)
Careers Session
12:25 - 12:45
Porcine genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen identifies host dependency factors for Influenza A virus
Vayalena Drampa (The Roslin Institute, UK)
Pathogens without borders: Multi-host veterinary infections
12:25 - 12:40
Developing a commercial bacteriocin-based treatment against blackleg disease and soft rot in potato.
Katherine Baxter (University of Glasgow, UK)
Plant-Pathogen Interactions
12:25 - 12:45
Dissecting respiratory virus ecology and immunity in a community cohort in West Africa
Thushan de Silva (University of Sheffield, UK)
Virus Symposium: A Virus For All Seasons (Part 2)
12:25 - 13:00
Integrating Evolutionary Biology and Deep Learning to Decipher Druggable Immune Signalling Systems During Infection
James McCabe (Queen's University Belfast, UK)
AI-enabled Microbiology
12:30 - 12:45
Engineering a modular chassis for antigen evaluation and rapid functional antibody generation against bacterial pathogens
Julia Sanchez-Garrido (Imperial College London, UK)
Engineering (Micro)biology: Reprogramming microbes towards global solutions (Part 2)
12:30 - 12:45
Jumping Hosts, Shaping Genomes: Cross-Species Evolution of
Staphylococcus aureus
Ross Fitzgerald (Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK)
Pathogens without borders: Multi-host veterinary infections
12:40 - 13:00
Q&A Session
Careers Session
12:45 - 13:00
Open-ended discussion session
Engineering (Micro)biology: Reprogramming microbes towards global solutions (Part 2)
12:45 - 13:00
FLASH TALK: High-Resolution Mapping of Bacterial Colonisation of Arabidopsis Roots with Fourier Ptychographic Microscopy.
Laura Copeland (University of Strathclyde & National Physical Laboratory, UK)
Plant-Pathogen Interactions
12:45 - 12:50
Open discussion and close
Plant-Pathogen Interactions
12:50 - 13:00
Sessions & Schedule Overview
A wide range of sessions will be on offer to delegates at Annual Conference 2026, including broad-scope Fora and focused symposia, as well as various professional development and Get Involved activities.
You can explore many of these sessions and get an “at-a-glance” schedule overview below, with the full programme available on the
Programme tab
Schedule Overview
Main Sessions
Actinomyces: Industrial uses; cryptic pathways and novel antibiotic discovery
Date: Monday 13 April (PM)
Actinomyces are a incredibly interesting and diverse group of soil dwelling bacteria that have been the source of an amazing 25% of all bioactive microbial metabolites and so have made a significant contribution to medical care. Advances in ‘omics’ technologies and novel culture techniques has renewed interest in this remarkable group of bacteria. In this session we welcome abstracts from those working within the actinomyces field. We especially encourage industry participation. This session will run on the same day as the mycobacteria session to allow cross-pollination between the two sessions.
Confirmed speakers:
Arai Masayoshi (University of Osaka, Japan) - Induction of Fungal Secondary Metabolite Production by
Mycobacterium smegmatis
and Elucidation of Its Mechanistic Basis
Rebecca Divine (John Innes Centre, UK) - Identification and characterisation of the cryptic LL-A0341 pathway in
Streptomyces formicae
AI-enabled Microbiology
Date: Thursday 16 April (AM)
Microbiology generates vast amounts of data, yet drawing meaningful insights from this information remains a significant challenge. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can be leveraged to enhance data analysis and address complex scientific questions pertaining to microorganisms and their environments. ML is commonly integrated into omics workflows and has also been deployed, for example, to discover novel antimicrobial compounds, for protein and RNA structure resolution, to predict zoonosis, or to guide high throughput culturomics. This session will highlight some current AI and ML applications from across the field of microbiology and explore how these technologies have the potential to expand our understanding of microbial systems.
Confirmed speakers:
Daniela De Angelis (MRC-Biostatistics Unit, UK)
Yiwei Sun (Columbia University, USA) - Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Automation to Scale Human Gut Microbiome Culturomics
Kalai Mathee (Lifetime Omics, USA) – Microbiolomics Meets AI: Integrating Artificial Intelligence with Multi-Omics for Precision Microbiology
Careers Session
Date: Thursday 16 April (AM)
The Careers Session presents an exciting chance for delegates to discover and explore career paths outside those that have been traditionally available to microbiologists. Delegates in attendance will have the opportunity to interact with speakers from industry, clinical, academic and government settings who will share their varying career experiences and trajectories as well as nuggets of wisdom such as their achievements and regrets. At the end of each talk, there will be a brief Q&A session, allowing delegates to ask key questions pertaining to their career stages and fields. Early career researchers wanting to explore their next career options, and mid-career microbiologists considering a career change are invited to attend.
Speakers:
Magdalena Karlikowska (Cytecom, UK) - Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before Leaving Academia
Natalie Lamont (University of Sunderland, UK) - From a micro BMS to the macro world of academia
Paula Corsini (University of Arts London, UK) - Jack of all trades, master of none - Taking risks on a new field
Celebrating and promoting actions advancing equality, diversity and inclusion
Date Monday 13 April (PM)
Join us for an inspiring forum led by the Members Panel of the Microbiology Society. This session is dedicated to showcasing specific actions and initiatives that are building a more inclusive research environment. We invite members to share their impactful activities and successful strategies, providing a platform to exchange practical ideas and solutions. This is an opportunity to learn from each other’s triumphs and challenges, raising awareness of the needs of underrepresented and historically marginalised groups. Abstract submissions are welcomed from all career stages for talks and posters. Topics can range from diversity initiatives in microbiology, overcoming barriers to inclusion, to actionable ideas for achieving equity across various settings, from academia to industry. We particularly encourage submissions detailing the development and implementation of novel approaches and initiatives. Be a part of this dynamic session to inspire and be inspired, and to gather actionable insights that can drive positive change in your own sphere of influence.
Education and Outreach Symposium
Date: Monday 13 April (PM) & Tuesday 14 April (AM)
We welcome abstracts on any aspect of learning or teaching microbiology as well as any aspect of engaging a wider audience with microbiology. This year, we particularly welcome abstracts on artificial intelligence, antimicrobial resistance, and low-budget projects, but will consider abstracts on any topic. We are happy to receive abstracts from colleagues in any setting e.g. clinicians, technicians, those in industry, etc.
Confirmed speakers:
Dominic Henri (University of Hull, UK) – “What's the point of assessment? Maximising the value of the most powerful tool for student development”
Emmanuel Adukwu (University of the West of England, UK)
Engineering (Micro)biology: Reprogramming microbes towards global solutions
Date: Wednesday 15 April (PM) & Thursday 16 April (AM)
From the fundamentals of molecular biology through the development of synthetic biology approaches and the design-build-test cycle, our ability to design or redesign living microorganisms or products from them for novel purposes, is rapidly increasing. This reprogramming offers the potential to address a multitude of challenges facing humanity, including sustainability, climate change, food security, biomaterials development, biosecurity and human health. In this Symposium, we will hear from world leaders in Engineering Biology developing tools to introduce non-canonical amino acids into proteins, designing completely new chromosomes and reprogramming metabolism. These tool are being used to advance drug discovery, our fundamental understanding of the building blocks of life, and our capacity to harness microorganisms for production of industrially relevant products.
Confirmed speakers:
Daniel de la Torre (Constructive Bio, UK) - Reprogramming the genetic code for next-gen recombinant biomolecules
Louise Horsfall (University of Edinburgh, UK) - Microbial Metal Factories
Sarah Guiziou (Earlham Institute, UK) – Engineered bacterial Community (EngComs) to promote plant growth
Benjamin Blount (University of Nottingham, UK) - LACE: Microbial synthetic chromosomes made easy
Environmental, Applied and Industrial Microbiology Forum
Date: Wednesday 15 April
This forum includes offered papers on any area and any organism relevant to environmental, ecological, applied and industrial microbiology, including (non-human) host–microbe communities and interactions, marine and freshwater microbiology, soil and geomicrobiology, air-, cryo- and extremophile microbiology, climate change, biotechnology, bio-processing and bio-engineering, food microbiology, and other applied and industrial microbial processes, including microbe-mediated biodegradation and bioremediation.
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment
Date: Monday 13 April (PM) & Tuesday 14 April
Eukaryotic microbes encompass a dazzling array of organisms, habitats, and niches that are frequeDatntly overlooked. They are of primary relevance to both ecological & environmental health and plant & animal pathogenesis, and increasingly are being exploited by the biotech industry. This symposium will celebrate and bring to focus the large biodiversity of microbial eukaryotes, their roles and relevance, and highlight the unique challenges posed in studying them. We welcome submissions on any microbial eukaryotes (fungi, yeasts, algae, protists, parasites) and their role in health, the environment, and industry.
Confirmed speakers:
Claire Gachon (Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, France) - Algal health under anthropogenic pressures
Irina Druzhinina (Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, UK) - Genus-Wide Phenogenomics of
Trichoderma
Reveals Ecological Plasticity and Biosecurity Implications
Pablo Cruz-Morales (Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Denmark) - The postgenomic harvest of fungal chemistry
Anastasios Tsaousis (University of Kent, UK) -
Blastocystis
—First Settler or Scapegoat? One Health rules for a misunderstood gut eukaryote
Joseph Turner (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK) - The filarial 'microbiome'; new therapeutic approaches for tackling filarial parasitic diseases
Sebastian Lourido (Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, MIT, USA) - Tuning gene expression for parasite resilience and persistence
Exploring Microbiome Function
Date: Wednesday 15 April (PM)
The "Exploring Microbiome Function" symposium will focus on the role of microbiomes in ecosystem function for health and global sustainability. Areas of interest will include, but not be limited to, the unexplored microbiota, non-culturable and non-viable microbiota, and cryptic gene clusters. Microbiome is intended here to cover prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbiota, as well as viruses. Abstracts demonstrating novel functional insights into the role of the microbiome in health and ecosystem sustainability will be particularly welcome.
Confirmed speakers:
Chris Creevey (Queen's University Belfast, UK)
Paul Wilmes (University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg) - Systems ecology of the human expobiome: from molecules to mechanisms
Genetics and Genomics Forum
Date: Tuesday 14 April
Genetics and genomics forum will consider offered papers on all aspects of the genes and genomes of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes and their mobile elements, including their sequencing, transcription, translation, regulation, chromosome dynamics, gene transfer, population genetics and evolution, taxonomy and systematics, comparative genomics, metagenomics, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology.
Infection Forum
Date: Wednesday 15 April
Offered papers (and associated posters) will be presented in areas related to clinical, veterinary and plant infections caused by microbial pathogens. This will include detection and diagnosis, identification, typing and epidemiology, pathogenesis, virulence, host response and immunity, treatment and prevention, antimicrobial agents and resistance, transmission and models of infection. Eligible abstracts can be entered into the Infection Science Award competition, with the awardees invited to the Federation of Infection Societies annual meeting.
Infection Science Awardee talks:
Siobhain Kelly (Connolly Hospital, UK) - Surgical Site Infections in returning cosmetic surgery tourists: A multi-centre prospective, observational study across Irish hospitals over a twelve-month period
Wubbo de Boer (University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK) - Oropouche Virus Reaches the UK: A Diagnostic Wake-Up Call for an Emerging Arbovirus
Knocking Out AMR Challenge
Date: Tuesday 14 April (PM) & Wednesday 15 April (AM)
We invite talks on our four themes (surveillance, vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics) that impact AMR.
Part one (Tuesday 15 April PM): What do we have that impacts AMR now (with a focus on interventions)?
Plenary talk:
Baroness Natalie Bennett (House of Lords, UK) - Linking parliament, policy, politics and AMR: transforming 20th-century understandings for the 21st century
Panel discussion: Baroness Natalie Bennett (House of Lords, UK); Ava Drake (University of Stirling, UK); Simon Rolfe (Welsh Government, UK); Jamie Whitford (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, UK)
Part two (Wednesday 16 April AM): Tackling Big Challenges: What could we do better to have a greater impact?
Horizon scanning workshop
Microbial pangenomics: reaching new frontiers of an open and evolving discipline
Date: Wednesday 15 April
The advent of high-throughput genome sequencing has revealed that genetic differences among individuals in various species are not solely due to small polymorphisms. Instead, these differences also arise from variations in the presence and absence of genes and non-coding regions. This discovery has given rise to the concept of pangenomes, which encompass the entire set of genes within a species, including core genes that are present in all individuals and accessory genes that vary among individuals. In this session, we will delve into the latest research on the structure and evolution of microbial pangenomes, as well as the challenges involved in their analysis.
Confirmed speakers:
Claire Chewapreecha (Mahidol University, Thailand) – “Host-pathogen pangenome insights into the genetics of melioidosis infection”
Gavin Douglas (University of New Brunswick, Canada) – “Does using differing proxies for effective population size affect conclusions about pangenome evolution?”
Harry Chown (Imperial College London, UK) - The pangenome of
Aspergillus fumigatus
highlights the dynamics of gene gain-loss over evolutionary time-scales in a human fungal pathogen
Jordan Orosco (Johns Hopkins University, USA) - A pangenome of the sexually transmitted parasite
Trichomonas vaginalis
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum
Date: Tuesday 14 April
This forum will consider offered papers on all aspects of microbial (prokaryotic and eukaryotic) metabolism, physiology and molecular biology. This will focus on fundamental and translational research in this area. This would include the metabolism and physiology of bacteria, archaea and eukaryotic microbes, including pathogens; biochemistry and structure of cells, cell growth and division; cell architecture and differentiation; synthesis and transport of macromolecules; ions and small molecules; development signalling and communication, sensing and cellular responses and also how this work informs microbial engineering, antimicrobial drug development, and other potential applications. All speakers will be selected from the submitted abstracts.
Microbiome Forum
Date: Wednesday 15 April (AM)
The Microbiome Forum encourages a broad remit of microbiome research with particular emphasis on early career submissions. It will consider offered papers on all aspects of human, animal and environmental microbiome science. This session will be held adjacent to the half-day Microbiome Symposium. Speakers will be selected exclusively from submitted abstracts.
Mycobacteria: Challenges and progress
Date: Tuesday 14 April (AM)
Mycobacterial research remains massively overlooked and underfunded, whilst the burden of mycobacterial disease continues to rise: tuberculosis is once again the leading cause of infectious death globally; non-tuberculosis mycobacterial infections are on the rise and M. bovis remains a dominant cause of bovine and zoonotic TB worldwide. We welcome abstracts from those working on all aspects of mycobacterial research. The session will be of broad interest as much of mycobacterial research is applicable to wide and diverse areas of microbiological study. This session will run next to the Actinomyces session to facilitate cross-pollination between these two related topics.
Confirmed speakers:
Dorothy Yeboah-Manu (University of Ghana, Ghana) – “Addressing Key risk factors for effective control of TB in Ghana and West Africa”
Laurent Kremer (Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier CNRS, France) – “Role and structure of surface glycolipids in the smooth-to-rough morphotype transition and pathogenesis of
Mycobacterium abscessus”
Patrick Moynihan (Western University, Canada) - Exploring the diversity of mycobacterial cell surface modifying enzymes
New Investigators Professional Development Panel
Date: Monday 13 April (PM)
Establishing an independent research group is both exciting and challenging. At this stage, new investigators develop innovative scientific directions, build teams, secure funding, navigate the world of higher education teaching and build networks within the community. This session will highlight the groundbreaking work of researchers who have started their independent groups within the past 5 years and will feature newly appointed investigators, researchers who transitioned from industry to academia and those who learned through direct experience. Showcasing diverse topics across microbiology, from bacterial to fungal and viral research, this session provides a platform for emerging leaders to present their latest findings, share insights into their research vision, foster collaborations and establish their presence within the microbiology community. This session will also feature a panel discussion on new investigators experiences in establishing their groups and the varied successful routes to achieve this.
Confirmed speakers:
Jane Usher (University of Exeter, UK) - Planet, pathogens and a few penguins!
Jeremy Keown (University of Warwick, UK) - Starting a new research group on the other side of the world
Liam Rooney (University of Glasgow, UK) - Multi-scale approaches to understand multi-faceted biofilm challenges
Georgia Isom (University of Oxford, UK) - Building an independent research group in bacterial cell envelope biology
Out of Body Experience- in vitro models of Infection (Complex cell infection models)
Date: Tuesday 14 April (PM)
Recent developments in primary cell culture, organoids and bioengineering have resulted in increased understanding of infection biology. These complex models have allowed development of microphysiological systems and organ-on-chip models allowing modelling of microbial mechanisms of infection, immune evasion and host immune signalling.
Confirmed speakers:
Clare Smith (University College London, UK) - Age Matters: Dissecting Epithelial and Neutrophil Responses to Respiratory Viruses Using Complex In‑Vitro Models
Jonathan Chapman (Newcastle University, UK) - Clostridia from preterm infants metabolise human milk oligosaccharides to suppress pathobionts and modulate intestinal function in organoids
Pathogens without borders: Multi-host veterinary infections
Date: Thursday 16 April (AM)
Bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotic microbes such as protozoa, helminths and fungi exhibit a spectrum of adaptations that enable them to colonise or infect a variety of host species. Such adaptations can give rise to either host-restricted pathogen strains that are specialized for particular organisms, or strains with a multi-host lifestyle, capable of thriving in varied niches. Moreover, one pathogen may infect multiple host species, but lead to differing clinical outcomes. Understanding the determinants that govern host specificity, and disease outcome is critical to One-health approaches aimed at mitigating potential zoonoses, and improving animal health, welfare, and productivity.
This session will aim to bring together an interdisciplinary community of bacteriologists, virologists, parasitologists, and mycologists working at the intersection of veterinary microbiology. We welcome abstracts on any aspect of veterinary microbiology, including transmission, co-infections, and pathogenicity, with a particular emphasis on the determinants of host-specificity and/or generalism in animal reservoirs, and on understanding factors influencing varying disease outcomes across species infected by the same pathogen.
Confirmed speakers:
Ross Fitzgerald (Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK) - Jumping Hosts, Shaping Genomes: Cross-Species Evolution of
Staphylococcus aureus
Toby Tuthill (The Pirbright Institute, UK) - Can undiscovered restriction factors protect humans from zoonotic livestock disease? Species-specific interferon stimulated genes correlate with mammalian resistance to foot-and-mouth disease
Martha Betson (University of Surrey, UK) - A tale of two parasites: multi-host transmission of the roundworms
Toxocara
and
Ascaris
Phage biology with a view to application
Date: Monday 13 April (PM)
This symposium aims to take an interdisciplinary approach to explore the latest advancements in phage research. This symposium welcomes research encompassing all areas of phage biology, such as medicine, veterinary science, food safety, genetic engineering, evolution, agriculture and the environment. As antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to threaten human, animal, and environmental health, phage therapy is emerging as a promising alternative. However, successful implementation requires an in depth understanding of the fundamental biology underlying phage-bacterial interactions including bacterial resistance mechanisms and efficacy in complex environments, and using this knowledge to address the practical and regulatory hurdles of bringing phage into clinical use. Advances in genomics are allowing us to be ‘smarter’ in designing phage cocktails and developing personalised medicine approaches. Understanding both biological and regulatory principles is essential to ensure the safe, effective and sustainable use of phage across One Health domains.
Confirmed speakers:
Alexander Harms (ETH Zürich, Switzerland) – “From Viral Dark Matter to the Molecular Mechanisms of Phage Therapy”
Jo Fothergill (University of Liverpool, UK)
Plant-Pathogen Interactions
Date: Thursday 16 April (AM)
This session will explore the diverse world of plant pathogens, focussing on eukaryotic, prokaryotic, and viral species that are leading causes of plant disease worldwide. With an emphasis on the pathogens rather than their plant hosts, the session will highlight the latest research on the molecular mechanisms underlying plant-pathogen interactions. Topics will include pathogen infection structures, effector biology, manipulation of host cellular processes, and evolution of virulence mechanisms. By bringing together established and early career researchers, this session aims to foster discussions on recent discoveries and emerging technologies, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration to better understand and combat plant diseases.
Confirmed speakers:
John Carr (University of Cambridge, UK) - Plant-viral symbioses: Can a virus become a mutualist?
Helen Fones (University of Exeter, UK) -
Zymoseptoria tritici:
microbial interactions and AMR in a fungal wheat pathogen that survives - and thrives - on the leaf surface.
Transformative tools for biological complexity
Date: Wednesday 15 April (PM) & Thursday 16 April (AM)
In this session we will explore a diverse range of novel techniques as well as innovative applications of existing methods that improve our understanding of biological complexity relating to all aspects of microbiology. Methodological approaches can include spatial biology, microscopy, microfluidics and any ‘omics, or other transformative tools, with those with widest accessibility especially welcomed.
Confirmed speakers:
Gail McConnell (University of Strathclyde, UK) - From images to insight: quantitative imaging technologies tools for microbiology
Ilan Davis (University of Glasgow, UK) - Absolute spatial detection and quantitation of early virus infection in 3D tissues and human samples
Reidun Twarock (University of York, UK) - Viruses under the Mathematical Microscope: unravelling the complexity of viral infections through the lens of viral geometry
Josie Bryant (Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK) - Spatially-resolved host-pathogen interactions across the lung
Vaccine platforms and gene therapy vectors
Date: Tuesday 14 April (AM)
The rapid pace with which technological advances in vaccine platforms and gene therapy vectors are occurring brings it's own challenges and questions about how best do we harness this technology for maximal effect. Importantly, building safe vaccines and vectors represents only half the challenge: the best use and implementation is also crucial to success. In this symposium we will draw on the expertise throughout the community to highlight the technology and challenges at the cutting edge. To do this we envisage a series of overview talks, offered papers and a panel discussion to achieve this.
Confirmed speakers:
Matthew Snape (Moderna, UK)
Rachel McLoughlin (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland) - Understanding the downstream consequences of Staphylococcus aureus induced ‘immune tuning’
Simon Graham (Pirbright Institute, UK) - Next-generation animal health vaccines: an overview of vaccinology at The Pirbright Institute
Virus Forum
Date: Tuesday 14 April (PM) & Wednesday 15 April (AM)
We invite submission of abstracts covering the whole spectrum of virology to our Virus Forums (formerly known as Workshops). We are interested in studies that cover the whole range of virus research (eukaryotic and prokaryotic) from in silico, to wet lab, to in vivo studies, right through to public health and interventions. Virus forums will run concurrently with 3 sessions on Tuesday PM and 3 sessions Wednesday AM and so we ask submitters to highlight 1-2 themes they would like their abstract to be considered for.
Themes: Adaptive immunity; Innate immunity; Molecular & Cellular Biology; Pathogenesis; Transmission, Epidemiology & Diagnostics; Vaccines & Antivirals
Virus Symposium: A Virus For All Seasons
Date: Wednesday 15 April (PM) & Thursday 16 April (AM)
Viruses are ever-present, but many viruses such as Influenza, RSV, and COVID, fluctuate with the changing seasons, often surging each winter. In some cases, this leads to ‘quademics,’ where multiple viruses co-circulate at high prevalence, as seen during the 2025/26 winter season, leading to significant strains on health infrastructure and public health resources. This session will explore both the fundamental biology of these viruses, but also the complex interplay between climate (temperature, humidity), host factors (age, immune waning, boosting, vaccination), and epidemiology (travel, indoor crowding) that drives the seasonality of these viruses.
Confirmed speakers:
Catherine Moore (Public Health Scotland & Public Health Wales, UK) - Parainfluenza and Human Metapneumovirus - Hidden burden and unmet need for therapy and vaccines
Anika Singanayagam (UK Health Security Agency, UK) - Seasonal respiratory virus surveillance - highlights from the Respiratory Virus Unit
Thushan de Silva (University of Sheffield, UK) - Dissecting respiratory virus ecology and immunity in a community cohort in West Africa
Emilie Pondeville (MRC- University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, UK) - Mosquito Scotland: Assessing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases in Scotland and their response to environmental change
Virus Symposium: Viral manipulation of the intracellular RNA world
Date: Monday 13 April (PM) & Tuesday 14 April (AM)
Both DNA and RNA viruses introduce novel RNA sequences into an infected cell that must survive and thrive in the cytoplasm. To do this they manipulate the host cell in myriad ways, from rewiring RNA splicing, modification and decay to producing non-coding RNAs that sequester cellular factors, reprogramming the RNA-binding protein (RBP)-ome and creating bespoke sub-cytoplasmic compartments.
Confirmed speakers:
Adrian Whitehouse (University of Leeds, UK) - Virus hijacking of a nuclear condensate formed around an ArcRNA
Alfredo Castello (MRC University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, UK) - Hidden Heroes: Nuclear RNA-binding proteins and their secret antiviral power
Anna-Lena Steckelberg (Columbia University, USA) - Decoding the structure, function and distribution of viral nuclease-resistant RNA structures.
Daniel Depledge (Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Germany) –“Viral manipulation of RNA polymerase III“
Abstracts
Annual Conference 2026_Poster abstract booklet
Abstract submissions for the Microbiology Society Annual Conference are
now closed
. Submitted abstracts will be reviewed by the session organisers, and submitters will be notified of the outcome directly in mid-December 2025.
Abstracts will be welcome for any of the following sessions:
Fora – broad sessions featuring offered talks
Environmental, Applied & Industrial Microbiology Forum
Genetics and Genomics Forum
Infection Forum
Microbial Physiology, Metabolism and Molecular Biology Forum
Microbiome Forum
Virus Forum
Symposia – specific sessions featuring offered talks and invited speakers
Actinomycetes: Industrial uses; cryptic pathways and novel antibiotic discovery
AI-enabled Microbiology
Celebrating and promoting actions advancing equality, diversity and inclusion
Education and Outreach Symposium
Engineering (Micro)biology: Reprogramming microbes towards global solutions
Eukaryotic Microbes in Health and the Environment
Exploring Microbiome Function
Knocking Out AMR
Microbial pangenomics: reaching new frontiers of an open and evolving discipline
Mycobacteria: Challenges and progress
Out of Body Experience- in vitro models of Infection (Complex cell infection models)
Pathogens without borders: Multi-host veterinary infections
Phage biology with a view to application
Plant-Pathogen Interactions
Transformative tools for biological complexity
Vaccine platforms and gene therapy vectors
Please note that the abstract is the only information session organisers use when deciding whether to accept your work for presentation as an offered talk or poster. If accepted, it will be published in the online programme or poster abstract book for the conference – so think carefully about what needs to be included.
Registration
Registration for Annual Conference 2026 is now closed.
The registration deadline passed at
23:59 (BST) on Monday 6 April 2026
. As final delegate numbers have now been confirmed with the venue, it is no longer possible to register for the conference.
Registration fees
The Microbiology Society's Annual Conference is the UK's largest annual gathering of microbiologists, and we welcome everyone from across our community to Belfast in 2026.
Members get heavily subsidised registration fees for Annual Conference, Focused Meetings and other Society events – both online and in-person. Join now to enjoy these discounts and many other opportunities that are designed for microbiologists at all stages of their careers.
Monday 13 April (PM) and Tuesday 14 April (£)
Tuesday 14 April and Wednesday 15 April (£)
Wednesday 15 April and Thursday 16 April (AM) (£)
Full conference (£)
Full member
420
560
420
840
Full concessionary member
182
242
182
364
Affiliate member
482
642
482
964
Student member
159
212
159
318
Non-member
743
990
743
1486
What's included in your registration fee?
An event app (please note, this is an in-person meeting)
Admission to all scientific sessions
Admission to break and lunchtime information and career development sessions (excl. ticketed events on the morning of Monday 13 April)
Full access to the trade exhibition
Full access to scientific poster sessions
Buffet lunch (Tuesday 14 April, and Wednesday 15 April, only)
Tea and coffee breaks
Access to an online abstract book
Certificate of Attendance (on request)
Access to CPD
Registration confirmation
Upon registration, you should receive an automated confirmation email. Please contact
[email protected]
if this has not been received within 24 hours.
Visa applications
If you need a letter of invitation for a visa application, we will be happy to supply this after we have received full payment. To find out if you need a visa to visit the UK, please visit the
UK visa and immigration
website.
It is the policy of the Microbiology Society not to supply an invitation letter to any delegate without payment and we will not reply to any request from an unregistered delegate. When the delegate has paid, the Conference office will email back a confirmation/receipt letter and, upon request, a letter of invitation, which may be used to obtain the necessary visa.
Please note that all conference delegates are responsible for their own travel and visa arrangements; the Microbiology Society will not take any responsibility for travel or visa problems.
Payment information
All registration fees must be paid in full before arrival at the conference. Any outstanding registration fees must be paid before admittance will be granted to the conference.
Cancellations
Refunds are not provided; however, substitutions of attendees can be made at any time before the event by contacting
[email protected]
Grants, Prizes and CPD
Applications for the Society Events Grant to support members attending
Annual Conference 2026
are now closed.
Grants will act as a contribution towards registration, travel, and accommodation expenses only.
Eligibility requirements:
Eligible membership categories:
Full Member
Full Concessionary Member
Postgraduate Student Members
Undergraduate Student Members
Minimum membership period required:
A minimum membership period of one year and two consecutive membership payments is required. Postgraduate and Undergraduate with three-year memberships will need to have completed one year (three-year membership payment constitutes consecutive payment).
Please read all information carefully on the
Society Events Grant
page before submitting an application for funding.
Accreditation
This event has been accredited by the
Royal Society of Biology
(RSB) for 140 CPD credits, approved by the
Royal College of Pathologists
(RCPath) for 30 CPD credits and endorsed by
Institute of Biomedical Sciences
(IBMS).
Destination, Accommodation, Travel, Creche & Accessibility
The conference will take place at the ICC Belfast:
ICC Belfast
2 Lanyon Place,
Belfast,
BT1 3WH
Directions
Accommodation
Crèche
Accessibility and inclusivity
Eating & drinking in Belfast
Directions
By plane
With George Best Belfast City Airport just an eight-minute drive from the venue, Belfast International Airport just a 30 minute drive, and Dublin Airport 90 minutes away, ICC Belfast is a short transfer time for delegates arriving via regional or international routes.
By train
ICC Belfast is within walking distance of both Belfast’s city centre train stations, with Lanyon Place Train Station just a two-minute walk from the venue. There are eight daily Enterprise rail services connecting Belfast Lanyon Place Station and Dublin Connolly Station.
By bus
ICC Belfast is in a prime location for visitors arriving by bus. The two city centre bus stations are a short walk from the venue, and there is a Translink Glider stop right outside. The Aircoach bus service connects Belfast with Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre, operating over 10 daily routes.
Accommodation
To support you in securing your accommodation, we provide links to our booking and accommodation services via
Delegate Hotels
Delegate Hotels have secured negotiated rates at hotels to suit a broad range of budgets.
If you require any further information for personal or group hotel bookings, please email
[email protected]
Book accommodation
Please be aware:
We’ve been made aware of unofficial emails from groups or individuals claiming to arrange accommodation for Annual Conference 2026. To avoid scams or invalid bookings, please only book through our official accommodation partner, Delegate Hotels. This is the only trusted provider for conference accommodation in Belfast.
Crèche
Reister your child for the crèche
The Society is again teaming up with Nipperbout to provide a free crèche at the Annual Conference 2026. The crèche will be available to all children of delegates between the ages of 0 and 12 years. If you are a Healthcare Professional (HCP) or an industry representative seeking access to this service, please see the separate fee notice provided at the bottom of the page.
All registered delegates will be offered the opportunity to make use of these free childcare services, which will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
In order to register, please visit the
Nipperbout portal
If you need help on registering your child on the Nipperbout portal, please see the guide below:
How to register your child
Existing account holders who have already used the system can log into their existing account and register for the event using the event code: MIC130426 under Events and Sessions.
Members who have not used the system before can create an account by clicking register, completing the form and entering the event code: MIC130426. You will then be able to request a place for your child in the creche and create your password.
Booking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Confirmation of your booking will be sent prior to the conference.
Please note that you are entering into an agreement with Nipperbout and not the Microbiology Society.
Nipperbout is an award-winning event childcare company with over 25 years of experience. For more information, please visit the
Nipperbout website
. If you have any queries about this service, please contact:
[email protected]
Healthcare Professional (HCP) or an industry representative: Childcare services
In accordance with ethical MedTech and healthcare industry compliance guidelines, please be advised that childcare services are not included within any registration or exhibition and sponsorship packages offered to Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) or industry representatives. Should you wish to make use of these optional services, a separate fee of £130 per child, per day is required. For further information or to purchase childcare provision, please contact
[email protected]
Accessibility and inclusivity
Accessibility across the venue
Level access routes and toilets are clearly signposted throughout the venue and there are dedicated spaces for wheelchair users to sit in the main auditorium. However, if you would prefer to self-transfer to an auditorium seat, please ask a member of staff who will be happy to assist. In addition to accessible toilets, there is also a Changing Places facility at ICC Belfast. Induction loops are available in all rooms should you need them.
All accessible toilets are also signposted as gender neutral and available for anyone requiring gender neutral facilities to use. This year, we will have a gender-neutral option with toilet stalls too, in addition to plenty of separate men’s and women’s facilities. We collect pronoun information during registration and all name badges either have pronouns printed on them, or a space to add them, should you wish to. Please do respect other delegates personal pronouns.
We will also have
sunflower lanyards
available for attendees with hidden disabilities. If you would like one of these lanyards, please ask at the registration desk at any time during the Conference. These are designed to communicate to others that the people wearing them might need extra consideration, such as offering a seat during breaktimes, so please only request one if you identify as having a hidden disability and be considerate of those wearing them.
There will be seating dotted around the venue should you need to rest, however this can be limited during busy times. If you need support finding seating, please don’t hesitate to ask a member of Society or venue staff.
Please ensure you include your accessibility requirements during registration so that we can provide you with further details if applicable.
More details regarding the venue's accessibility, including their Accessibility Statement, are available on the
ICC Belfast Accessibility page
. There is also an
ICC Belfast Social Narrative Access Video
available to watch should this be helpful for your visit.
Dedicated spaces
We have dedicated areas to accommodate our delegates who may require a quiet space, prayer room or nursing room – these will be marked on the venue map and signposted at the venue but please ask us if you can’t find what you are looking for. This year, we will have men’s, women’s and gender-neutral prayer rooms available, all of which will include bathrooms for conducting ablutions if required. For nursing, we usually suggest parents use the crèche facilities, where a comfortable seat will be provided. However, you are also very welcome to use one of the quiet rooms, some of which will also have bathroom facilities if required.
Dietary requirements
We work very closely with our venue catering teams to ensure all dietary requirements can be provided for. Please ensure you include your dietary requirements during registration and please don’t hesitate to let us know, or speak to the venue catering staff, if you can’t see your requirement signposted during the event.
We recently took the decision to remove alcohol from all scientific sessions, including poster sessions, to ensure everyone can participate fully. However, a Welcome Reception will take place on the evening of
Monday 13 April
and alcohol will also be available at all events taking place as part of our
social programme
Eating & drinking in Belfast
Belfast has a vibrant food scene with a wide range of restaurants, cafés and bars to suit all tastes and budgets, many of which are within easy walking distance of the conference venue.
Delegates can also take advantage of exclusive offers available across the city, including discounts at selected restaurants, attractions and venues. Full details can be found via the Visit Belfast delegate offers linked below.
If you’re looking for a restaurant open on the Monday or Tuesday, there’s also a helpful guide highlighting venues.
Exclusive delegate offers
Restaurants open on Mondays
or Tuesdays
All restaurants and bars
Social Programme
The Microbiology Society Annual Conference is a key feature in the calendar of a microbiologist – from undergraduates to those more established in their career.
The scientific event is designed to provide ample opportunities for formal networking and the social programme offers informal opportunities for delegates to make new friends, forge future collaborations and have fun.
Details of confirmed social events can be found below:
Early Career Forum Networking and Social
Date:
Monday 13 April
Time:
19:30–22:00
Location:
Granny Annies Kitchen, 81 Chichester St, Belfast BT1 4JE
The Early Career (EC) Forum Executive Committee will be hosting an evening of networking and socialising with other early career microbiologists on Monday 13 April 2026. Whether it's your first time at Conference and you'd like to meet new people or you'd just like to come and enjoy an evening of fun and socialising, be sure to join this event.
Deadline to register:
Thursday 9 April
Secure your tickets
Disabled and Neurodivergent Members Social
© Amelia Hall
Date:
Monday 13 April
Time:
20:00–22:00
Location:
Amelia Hall, 44 Howard Street, Belfast, BT1 6PG
Join a group of Society members for the third Disabled and Neurodivergent Members social at Annual Conference. We welcome all members of the Microbiology Society at any career stage who identify as Disabled, Neurodivergent (e.g.
autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, dyspraxic and more
), and/or chronically ill, irrespective of whether they have a formal diagnosis, are awaiting diagnosis or self-identify. There is a small fee to attend the event to cover the cost of catering – a selection of refreshments will be provided. More information and tickets are available via the button below.
Deadline to register:
Thursday 9 April
Secure your tickets
5th LGBTQ+ Networking Event with Trans and Nonbinary pre-meet
Date:
Tuesday 14 April
Time:
19:30–20:00 (pre-meet) 20:00–22:00 (main event)
Location:
TBC
Join the Queer in Microbiology group for an evening of fun, networking and celebration at the fifth instalment of the LGBTQ+ Networking Event, which includes a Trans and Nonbinary pre-meet for a third year. The event is open to LGBTQ+ microbiologists and their allies. There will be a small fee to attend the event to cover costs. More information and tickets will be available soon; please click the button below to register your interest in the event.
Deadline to register:
Thursday 9 April
Secure your tickets
Quiz Night
Date:
Wednesday 15 April
Time:
Doors open from 19:15 until 22:00
Arrival:
19:15
Buffet food:
from 19:30
Quiz starts:
20:15
Quiz finishes:
22:00
Location:
Granny Annies Kitchen, 81 Chichester St, Belfast BT1 4JE
It's quiz time! Ready to unleash your inner quiz champion? Gather your troops, book your tickets, and prepare to flex your intellectual muscles!
Location of the quiz will be at the Granny Annies Kitchen, 81 Chichester St, Belfast BT1 4JE, your ticket includes a light buffet. Drinks are available to purchase at the venue.
Deadline to register:
Saturday 11 April
Secure your tickets
Exhibition & Sponsorship
Industry opportunities
ExhibitionPLUS is an initiative designed to help you discover other ways members engage with the Society, and provide you with more opportunities to grow your network and customer base.
Annual Conference 2026 offers opportunities for industry over three days to network with delegates across all career stages, oral and poster presenters, and authors publishing in our journals.
This event has been assessed through the EthicalMedTech Conference Vetting System (CVS) and is confirmed as fully compliant with the MedTech Europe Code of Ethical Business Practice.
Exhibit at Annual Conference 2026
Warning: Fake email alert
We have been made aware of fraudulent companies claiming to sell delegate data while pretending to represent the Microbiology Society. These companies are not associated with us in any way.
Please remain vigilant and carefully check the sender’s email address before engaging with any message of this nature. Official communications will always come from a legitimate Microbiology Society email address. If you are unsure whether an email you have received is genuine, please contact us directly at
[email protected]
DOWNLOAD BROCHURE
DOWNLOAD FLOORPLAN
From making an impact with the Gold, Silver and Bronze packages, through to individual options from our pick and mix, we have a range of options to help you reach and strengthen your connections in this targeted community. Please download our exhibition and sponsorship pack for more details.
All exhibition stands are now sold. Bespoke sponsorship options are still available – please email
[email protected]
to learn more.
Exhibitors
Microbiology Society
New England Biolabs
Bio Molecular Systems
Clent Life Science
LI-COR Biosciences GmbH
Constant Systems
MP Biomedicals
Novogene Europe
BMKGENE
InfectoPharm Ltd
BMG Labtech
Cambridge Bioscience
MetaSystems
MicrobesNG
Zymo Research
UKHSA Culture Collections
ProImmune
FEMS
Apacor
Abbexa
Verulam Scientific Ltd.
Revvity
Arctic Zymes
Ogibiotec
LabBuddy
Sponsors
Belfast
Tourism Northern Ireland
Visit Belfast
IUMS 2026
The Royal Society Publishing